“Are you enjoying autumn?” people ask. I always marvel because as soon as Nadaam, the July sporting festival has passed the Mongolians start talking about autumn. The days may continue as hot as ever but there is a distinct coolness to the mornings and evenings.

Although the warm days speed by the Mongolians take time to revel in each and every one. Those who spent their summers near us let the days meander at their own pace, eating what they have, sleeping when they’re tired and enjoying time with family and friends without too much thought for tomorrow.

Traditionally the Mongolians have not been planners —although for many life is changing. Living for the day has been a part of their psyche and I must admit it’s a quality I find appealing though, in reality, I struggle to live without planning ahead or thinking of the next responsibility. Planning is prudent yet living for today has a biblical ring to it — Jesus instructed his disciples not to worry about tomorrow and to pray for their daily bread.

Our life with God is eternal but it is lived out on this earth one day at a time, receiving His daily provision and gifts. Thinking on God’s instruction my mind runs back to the Old Testament and the Israelites journeying through the wilderness. Every day they experienced God’s faithful provision. However, when the people tried to hoard the manna and quail, even though God had told them not to, it melted or rotted away.

Storing food for tomorrow seems sensible but I wonder what motivated the Israelites. Did they doubt God’s promises? Or imagine a day would come when He would not be present or not supply the nourishment they needed?

Jesus instructed us to pray for our bread daily, to entrust ourselves into His care and receive His abundant provision, daily. I sense this principle holds true for all of God’s gifts. As we make our petitions known to God, He comes and supplies us with all that we need. But such gifts must be received and used up in the present moment because, like the manna in the wilderness, they do not keep overnight.

The cool stream has become the daily washing place. A mother with a broken wedge of soap pummels clothes clean and then lays them on the grass to dry. Toddlers throw stones from the safety of the bankside while woops of delight, amidst much splashing, accompany children immersed in the shady depths. A young boy, baseball cap in hand, scoops a cap-full of water and plonks it on his head. He cracks a huge grin as the water cascades down his head and small body. Laughing, he repeats the process relishing every sweet moment.

Mongolia is changing. Western influences shape city life but I trust that the Mongolians will continue to enjoy the moment as it reminds me that I too need to receive God’s precious grace gifts afresh every morning.