Be Optimistic About Life

July 4, 2017. I am standing by a hot grill flipping pancakes for the Lions Club, as our family has for several decades, listening to all the conversations going on as people move past to get their helpings of pancakes, eggs, sausage and drink. There was a lot of laughing, joking and pleasant conversation about how wonderful it is to have this event every year. This was truly an Americana Moment for me. We do live in a wonderful part of our nation. I did my best to soak in all that was happening in those moments. Have you ever had those experiences? Thank you Lions Club for keeping the 4th of July Celebration in Washington City our piece of Americana. So how do we keep and cherish those moments? We really do have every reason to be optimistic in this world. There never was a greater time in the history of the world to live on this earth than this. May I quote the words of Jenkins Lloyd Jones. He said.” Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. Most putts don’t drop (ugh). Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual tolerance. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise......”Life is like an old-time rail journey---delays, setbacks, 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.” Enjoy it. Laugh about it. Live it. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. See you next month.

Kenneth Neilson

Mayor

(435) 656-6308

kneilson@washingtoncity.org