Lately, it seems that I am constantly looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Do you know what I mean?

The end of the school year, the end of baseball season, the end of this job or that commitment. When will the kids stop arguing? When will the dogs stop wetting the floor? When will my days as a short-order cook be over? When will I reach my goal weight and stay there? When will my husband be home on Saturday instead of at work? When will we be through with medications and tutoring and mortgage payments and broken A/C units?

I’m ready to get there. I’m ready for “this is the life!”

It’s not an actual destination, but a place in our lives when we are finally, finally comfortable and content. Free from stress and the constant struggle to stay on top of things or get ahead. Today, I find myself looking toward summer and thinking yes! There it is. Serenity and happiness. If I can just make it to summer…

But the truth is, the turning of the calendar doesn’t really change anything. There will still be commitments and demands. There will always be bickering and pets and work and bills.

A friend shared something with me that really impacted the way I want to live my life. We must learn to love the journey, not the destination. If we constantly live our lives with our eyes on the horizon, searching for the finish line, we will miss the beauty that is today.

Moms, sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty through the dust your SUV kicks up as you race from activity to activity. And sometimes it’s hard to find something positive in a missed grounder, a failing grade, an extra pound or another bill.

But life isn’t the light at the end of the tunnel. Life is the tunnel, and it will only be as good as you make it. Only you can make your life happy. And only you are in charge of your journey.

Finding the positives in your life can be a challenge at times, but they’re always there if you are willing to look for them.

Arguments are a form of communication. Pets love unconditionally and they don’t talk back. Medications keep blood pressure under control and minds focused on classwork. Tutoring gives added confidence. Missed grounders teach the importance of keeping your glove on the ground.

And a broken A/C unit? Well, it means a fun night out in a hotel. And what’s wrong with that?