One day this week, I was pulling out of my driveway and noticed that the grass was still relatively short even though it had been a little while since we last mowed. I was instantly overjoyed at the thought of putting the lawn mower away and not worrying about yard work until next spring. For a moment, I thought blissfully about leaves changing colors, scorching temperatures disappearing, wearing hoodies and sweaters, and all of the other perks that I associate with autumn. Then, all at once, that brief, blissful moment came to a screeching halt.

My thoughts suddenly fast forwarded right past autumn to winter. I found myself thinking of frigid temperatures, biting winds, icy, treacherous roads, and barren, seemingly lifeless trees. Within seconds my mood had changed from bliss to dread.

As I pondered this instantaneous, abrupt change in my thoughts and mood, I wondered why it is so difficult to live in the moment. Why is it so hard to enjoy the present for even a minute without jumping ahead to worry about things that may or may not happen in the future.

Fortunately, I don’t usually dwell on this uncertain future for very long. I am usually able to rewind back to the present and find the joy that is there. When I do find myself worrying about things that may or may not happen in the future, I try to remember and have faith in a loving, kind Heavenly Father.

I remember Him and I trust that no matter what lies ahead, He is watching over me and will carry me through.