For weeks now, the number one question I've been asked is "Are you going anywhere on vacation?" Until recently, the answer was no. And, even now, the answer is that a trip is planned for November but nothing is planned for the summer.
Launching the season with Memorial Day weekend, celebrating on July 4, and wrapping up on Labor Day weekend, the summer is prime time for vacations and recreation.
While various forms of recreation can happen year round, my goal for the summer is to take time to re-create. In the hustle and bustle of my day job, my volunteer commitments, my household and family responsibilities, it's easy to not take time for me. Recreation can be fun and relaxing. Re-creation is a little more intentional.
We're all familiar with the adage, "stop and smell the roses." My hope, for myself, and for all of us, is that we're able to pause - to catch our breath, to read a good book, to enjoy the outdoors, to turn off the television in favor of an intimate conversation, to revel in the mysteries of life and to be inspired by the awesomeness of God's presence all around us.
Sometimes vacation can be work. Have you ever felt like you needed to recover from a vacation? I suggest we take time to keep things in perspective. So whether you're vacationing, going to festivals, attending summer movie releases or sporting events, cooking out or enjoying a nice campfire, make sure there's time for God and make sure there's time to be grateful.
In fact, make it a habit every day. Find time for God in prayer, seeing the awesomeness in simple things, in complex things, in nature, in relationships, and even online! Be re-created by seeing the world in a new way - recognizing God's presence all around us - and witness that presence to others.
Peace,
Matt Dunn
Editor
Marianist Lay Communities (IO-MLC), has authored her fourth and final 
