I woke up this morning greeted by the sun gleaming through my blinds, the brand new day awaiting me.

Smiling, I eagerly opened the blinds, realizing that the perfect 70-degree weather could change within seconds — the perks of living in the “bipolar state.” Days like this don’t happen very often, but when they do decide to come around, I feel it is my moral obligation to enjoy them. I quickly throw on my clothes, my worn Rangers ball cap, my iPod, and my latest Nicholas Sparks book and I’m good to go.

One of the greatest things about living in my neighborhood is definitely the view of Lake Palestine, and it’s great that every house seems to have its own little piece of the lake. But above all, the cute little cookie cutter homes that make up my neighborhood, my favorite spot is one in which you can usually find me on days such as today — the point. Unlike most places, it’s worth the three-mile hike, but with my play list set on an infinite Indie shuffle, it’s hard not to see it as anything but relaxing. Upon arriving at the secluded mini peninsula, I take my seat on the worn wooden bench that has seen one too many rainy days and I turn to chapter seven of my book and begin to indulge in my reading.

As the hours pass by, my mind starts wandering and I find myself pondering why life can’t always be so simple? Sitting here watching the waves crashing against the rocks, while the sun begins to slowly melt into a pool of cotton candy blue and pink, I wonder how I could ever return to my life, my problems and worries? I don’t remember how or when events, relationships or the choices I make about my future became so complicated. I just know things weren’t as easy as they used to be.

Growing up, we are told to make the most of our time as kids. As mom would say, “take time to stop and smell the roses,” but we always seem to avoid advice we’ve been told until it’s too late. Granted, I had a great childhood; however, as the years go by, I can’t help but feel as though my life is only getting tangled within the worries of the real world.

Soon, I am greeted by an unfamiliar man who appeared to have gotten word about the weather. Observing him in his khaki shorts, leather scandals and a college shirt I could only assume was from when he attended years ago, I watched as he made his way to the water, his black lab securely bound to the man’s leash. I quickly consider packing up and heading back home.

“Great weather we are having,” he comments, untangling his dog’s leash to let him roam around the proximity. “Supposed to be this great all week.”

“Really? Hopefully it will stay this nice,” I reply with a sideways grin, which usually emerges when I try to hide my enthusiasm, this time being no different.

As the sun begins to disappear, I can no longer make out the unfamiliar letters in my book. I take one last glance at the multicolored sky and come to the conclusion that the future will always be complicated. There will be those days when everything just seems to go your way and you feel infinite to take on any challenge. There will be those days when events are harder to overcome. I realize I will have to face them one by one as they come and, with faith, I will persist. But even though worrying about things to come is natural, I believe it’s also important to take the time to enjoy the present; to take a moment in our busy, crazy and chaotic lives, and just be thankful for all we have been blessed with.

As for now, I will just breathe in the clean, crisp air spring has brought and enjoy the day that God has placed before me.