We live in this world where living in the future is what we do best. Whether we’re thinking about what we’re going to eat in 10 hours for dinner, or, at age 20, wondering who we’re going to marry and what our kids' names are going to be, we let these thoughts of the future consume our minds. You could say we’re pros at living in every moment but the present.

Picture this: you’re lying in your bed in the morning and all that you can think of is how you should have worn the other dress on that date last night or what you’re going to name your next dog. Is it going to be Scooby or Ziggy? These are the types of thoughts that we allow to consume our every waking moments. These are the moments that hinder us from waking up and living a life in the present.

We take on this role of a planner; planners of our days, weeks, months and years. We have these ideas of what our lives are supposed to look like. That’s where we go completely wrong and quickly become very disappointed.

Now, I’m not saying not to dream big and set goals. That’s not what I mean at all. I’m saying, work towards those goals and those dreams, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way. It will make those accomplishments that much sweeter.

I think God uses our lives as His own personal storybook. In order to get to the last chapter, you have to live out the preceding ones first. Although some chapters have mountaintops and others downfalls, the story always has a conclusion that makes us want to keep reading—or, in this case, living.

So focus on the little victories in every chapter of life.

Find joy in the ordinary. Wake up in the morning and think about all the reasons you have to smile. Be thankful for each sunrise and sunset you get to witness. Rejoice in the late night drives to purchase extremely unhealthy junk food with your roomies, or the moments when impromptu dance parties take place when you should be studying for midterms. Celebrate the warm days, and the cold ones too. And most importantly, thank God for your story, for every single chapter in your book.

Out of all the books in the library, He gave you this one, so enjoy every second of it.

I’ll leave you with this: stop trying to imagine life and start living it. One day, you’ll look back and wish the past was the present, so make it a good one.