Happily Ever After
Most of the time most of us aren’t experiencing Happily Ever After, but that’s what we mostly see in popular media.
Movies, books, Netflix and Disney+ shows typically wrap up any and all problems within a matter of hours or pages. And if they don’t, it’s not good media. It’s a third-act failure. People complain.
We start expecting it in real life
I know I do… When my life is missing resolution (which is most of the time) I wonder and worry about when the end will come and why it hasn’t. “Am I doing something wrong?”
It’s ironic though, because all the worrying and wondering doesn’t make it’s arrival any faster or more likely.
I like this quote from Jenkin Lloyd Jones (also quoted by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, and often misattributed to him…)
Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. . .
It’s not about arriving
If life were about arriving, most of us would have to be unhappy. But that’s not what life is about.
Jenkin Lloyd Jones goes on to say:
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.
It’s about the ride
Let’s not let the allusive Happily Ever After rob us of the Happily Ever Present. There’s a lot to enjoy right now, and what a blessing it is :)
A quick plug
Not sure how to find the Ever Happily Present? President Uchtdorf has an invitation for you:
And to those who have not yet begun, why delay? If you want to experience the wonders of this great spiritual journey, set foot upon your own grand adventure! Speak with the missionaries. Speak with your Latter-day Saint friends. Speak with them about this marvelous work and a wonder.
And feel free to speak with me :)
My recent HWN has been in gratitude for what’s happening now.
p.s. But what about that amazing title picture? Where does that come from? I finally finished my photo journal (click to see it!) from my two-week trip to Europe and Africa. Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures:
I got to help my brother propose! :) Congratulations Jeremy and Anna!
And I performed with “Harold and the Angels” at my ward Christmas party :) (We’re available for bookings)
Well, alright then Zach!! Happily Ever Present! From one writer to another…. awesome writing and love the layout.
The journey flows…
Thanks for reading and for your comment Zephany :) I enjoyed checking out your blog as well!
Hello Zach I take it you are a member of ” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ” ? I am a member as well Zach. Love the pictures and congrats to your brother and his fiancee on getting engaged.
Thanks, yeah I am :) I appreciate you checking out some of my posts! Happy blogging!
Than you Zach. I like your blogs. Keep writing and Happy Blogging !
Great account of your travels. I see you are a musician. I am as well and worked at Disney World in the 70’s in the World Band. Other gigs were with Ringling Circus and other headliners.
That’s awesome! Sounds like some great and impressive experiences!