Gordon B. Hinckley’s quote is a wise and down-to-earth reflection on expectations, resilience, gratitude, and perspective. Let’s break it down line by line for deeper understanding:
“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed.”
Meaning:
- Bliss—uninterrupted happiness or perfection—is not the norm in life.
- If we assume life should be easy, fair, or always joyful, we set ourselves up for disappointment.
- We’ll feel cheated when things don’t go our way, when in fact, life is working exactly as it always has—with imperfection.
Application:
- Adjusting our expectations helps us deal with life’s challenges with grace.
- Expecting hardship, not perfection, prepares us for resilience and gratitude for the good moments.
“The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people…”
Meaning:
- This is a poetic way of saying: things rarely go perfectly.
- Golfers know that most putts miss the hole.
- Not all meals are gourmet; not all children become heroes—they become ordinary people, which is still beautiful.
Deeper insight:
- Hinckley is pointing to a common human mistake: thinking “ordinary” means failure.
- He reminds us to appreciate reality, not an idealized version of it.
“Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration…”
Meaning:
- Even the best marriages aren’t perfect.
- They succeed not because of constant passion or harmony, but because both people choose to tolerate, forgive, and support each other through ups and downs.
Key lesson:
- Long-term relationships are built on commitment, not perfection.
- Emotional maturity means learning to tolerate discomfort for the sake of love, growth, and unity.
“Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.”
Meaning:
- Work is often routine, repetitive, and uninspiring—and that’s normal.
- Expecting every day to be exciting sets you up for disappointment.
Why this matters:
- Learning to find purpose in responsibility, not just excitement, is key to maturity and contentment.
“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.”
Imagery:
- This metaphor compares life to a long, imperfect train ride.
- There are frustrations, disruptions, and messiness (smoke, cinders).
- But every once in a while, you get a breathtaking view, a moment of clarity, beauty, or joy.
What he’s saying:
- Don’t quit the journey because of the dust. Those beautiful moments are more powerful because of the contrast.
- If we endure the mundane, we become more present for the miracles.
“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
Conclusion:
- The secret to a joyful life is gratitude.
- Not for a perfect life—but for life itself.
- Every step, jolt, and moment—good or bad—is a gift. And the very fact that you’re here for the ride is something sacred.
Overall Message:
- Life is not meant to be perfect.
- You’ll have setbacks, boredom, imperfections, and broken expectations.
- But through it all, if you adopt a mindset of gratitude, tolerance, and acceptance, you’ll discover true joy—not from perfection, but from perspective.
Reflection Questions:
- What are some expectations I’ve held that set me up for disappointment?
- Do I accept that difficulty is a natural part of life, or do I resist it?
- Am I finding ways to enjoy “the ride,” even when it’s slow or dusty?
- What do I need to thank the Lord for—right now?
