I just finished reading some new posts on my sister’s blog and I felt prompted to write on mine tonight. Though it was never my intention, I realize that this space may feel like a museum of only the best our life offers. Sure, I love to focus on the positive and find the happy moments to remember. And since photography is my #1 hobby, I like to post beautiful photos because let’s be honest. I’m a picture snob.

But as I sat in Relief Society at the Buderim Ward this past Sunday (which was equally a treat to hear the lesson with an accent AND getting to listen to a lesson since I’m normally in Primary), I was reminded of a favorite quote that President Hinckley shared.

“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride” (“Big Rock Candy Mountains,” Deseret News, 12 June 1973, A4).

Right now our family is enjoying a beautiful vista. In all senses of the word. Life is pretty awesome here.  Besides a giant spider the size of Brandon’s hand that we saw at the bus stop, there is nothing to complain about. The sunshine has filled our souls (especially mine) and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed a slower pace of life and more family time than we are used to. I’ve let go of a perfectly clean house because who’s going to see it anyway? We take time to walk to the library and play at the park and beach. Our day-to-day stresses are fewer and we have no social pressures to keep up with. Life is amazing right now.

When my children and their children read this blog someday, however, I hope they will remember that we’ve had delays and sidetracks (depression, anxiety, death in family, spiritual trials, etc.) that have also been a part of our journey. But we’ve pushed through that dust over and over each time one comes. Some trials are harder and longer than others. (Especially post-partum anxiety! I was never warned about that!). Our family is stronger because of the trials we’ve faced the past few years and because of it, we are enjoying this adventure ten-fold.

So thank you, God, for letting us have this ride. And if possible, we hope this vista will stay around just a bit longer. 🙂

After a homemade dinner and naps, we took a Sunday stroll along the beach. I tell you, I”m loving this dream land here!