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Despite waking up earlier than usual last Sunday, I almost missed church.

The problem with me is that when I have extra time, I take on extra tasks. I know, I know, I should have relaxed and arrived early for church. That thought didn’t occur to me until I sat down to write this.

So, what did I do Sunday morning? I decorated my house for Fall.

I bypassed the sink of dirty dishes and set a string of autumn-colored leaves on the kitchen island. I ignored the clothes in the laundry room and shut the door (carefully so as not to disturb the new wreath I had just hung). Then I added leaves around the pictures of my grandchildren that sit on a mantle that needs dusting.

I was ready for the next season; however, I almost missed the present one.

I do that sometimes. I become so focused on what’s next that I forget about what’s here. I turn a time when I could just sit and breathe deeply into one which leaves me running around and breathless.

When I finally looked at my watch, I realized I had just enough time to get to church.

Now I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with preparing for the future, for the next season, as long as the one I’m in is not neglected. And sometimes appreciating the present means just sitting quietly, reflecting on the blessings and lessons of my yesterdays and hearing the voice of the One Who holds my tomorrows.

I’m setting my alarm a few minutes earlier tomorrow so I can do that.

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.