What about the here and now?

July 1st.  Just 4 months away.  I can hardly wait.  I'm looking ahead because when that day arrives, things will be so much better.

Isn't it funny how we tend to look towards the future, towards happier, wealthier, easier?  What about the here and now?  Remember 6 months ago?  When you thought for sure you'd pay off that bill, get a raise, have more savings...right about now?  Do you?  And if you did, did it make your life all those great things (happier, wealthier, easier)?  I've been doing this all my life...

I am a thirteen year-old 8th grader.  My older brother has just earned his driver's license.  When I'm sixteen, life will be so much better.  I'll have so much more freedom, I'll have so much more fun!


I am a sixteen year-old driver.  My brother is away at college.  When I go to college, life will be so perfect. No parents around to tell me what to do, no chores.  College guys, parties, and freedom - I can't wait!


I am a twenty year old college student.  This is hard.  Things will be so much better when I graduate.  No more studying, no more tests.  I'll get a job and begin my career, and won't have to answer to professors.


I am a twenty-three year old new bride.  I can't wait until I move up in my company, have a family, buy a bigger home.


I am a thirty-three year old mom of three.  When the kids get older, things will be so much easier.


I am a 39 year-old single mom of three.  And as I close out this decade, I can't help but think back and recall all the times I looked forward.

This is different than dreaming or having goals, mind you.  I'm looking forward right now.  To a vacation this summer, to working on that novel I've always wanted to write, to getting more publishing credits and writing for the "big" magazines.  But I also realize that there'll be stresses, too.  College tuition to pay for, continuing to juggle my kids and my career.  Possibly a new car payment, giving my oldest the keys to a car and watching him drive away.  Increased car insurance.

So, I'll try to enjoy the present more.  I'll try to remember that right now, this minute, is good.  And that I'll look back on this time someday and realize how wonderful my life is.  How lucky I am.

But I digress.  July 1st is only four short months away.  And no matter what else happens, I'll be getting these braces off my teeth.  I can't wait!