I am a bookworm. I read, I explore, and I write. I am a connoisseur of words, powerful narratives, and all-encompassing thoughts. This is why I sometimes look up and I’ve been scrolling Tumblr for an hour (Oops?). I am passionate, emotional, energetic, and sometimes ridiculous. When asked to name someone who inspires me, two things can happen. One, ten names come to mind and I can’t choose one. Two, no one comes to mind because there isn’t only one.
Today, though, I choose Marjorie Pay Hinckley.
Marjorie was born on November 23, 1911 and died on April 6, 2004. She grew up loving learning and life and married her husband in April 1937. She was an energetic mother and made good use of humor to combat life’s difficulties. She delighted in her family, was an avid reader, and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She did lots of travel later in life and developed an appreciation for the people in the Far East.
One of my favorite quotes of hers is:
I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.
A, I like that she used the word “coiffed” in a sentence. B, I’m not entirely sure what scout camp is. C, I love how simple and genuine and special this reads. It’s a complete contrast to today’s culture. Which is probably why it speaks so loudly to me, and why my heart yearns for this kind of living.
It probably isn’t the easiest of perspectives to keep, but it sure is a remarkable one. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.
The way she lived, laughing and loving and prioritizing people, is inspiring. I ask the Lord to help me desire the same.
Inspired by someone recently?
I love the quote you included from her. God created us to be a blessing to others and that is how she lived! I desire to do the same. I can’t say I always do it, but this was a great reminder and encouragement to do so. Thanks for sharing!
That quote is exactly what I needed to read today, as I worry about my coming life changes and wondering how the heck I’ll do it all perfectly. The answer is I won’t, and I need to be okay with doing life in ways that are real and messy, if that means I’m doing it well. Thanks for the inspiration this Friday morning!
Amen, Brittany! I’m right there with you. I know you will be a wonderful mom :)