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Summer is here and we find ourselves tempted to let our thoughts wander a little toward dreams and fantasies of things that were, could have been or might yet be.

God loves summer as much as many of us do - and often for the same reasons. It can be a time of rest and relaxation, to recoup our energies and to just enjoy life.

Those of us fortunate enough to be able to take some time off to enjoy something of a vacation are not necessarily better off than those for whom this is not possible this year. It is a great blessing to have the time and resources to get away from a work routine, if only for a little while.

Not everyone who goes "on vacation" really gets much of a break. Movies and situation comedies have been made over people who run into all sorts of mishaps while trying to get away for a break. This can happen if we take our worries and anxieties with us.

Many people find it difficult to sleep and relax, whether at home or away. It is not enough for them just to hear someone say, "Why don't you just calm down?" It's not that easy. In fact, that may only make it worse!

If anyone needs permission, however, to take time off (whether at home or away), there is actually strong Scriptural support for this. God Himself - we are told in the metaphor of Genesis - rested on the seventh day. We Christians traditionally observe Sunday, the day of the Lord's resurrection, as our Sabbath, refraining from intense work and taking the time to rest in the Lord.

For many people, Sundays have become just as crowded with cares and busy doings and with some of those super-active vacations where you come home more exhausted - and a lot poorer - than when you left. What's the point of that?

The fact is, we need to have "down time" - periods in which we choose to do nothing but just be present to God and one another. If we are not doing that on a regular basis, chances are we will not be very likely to do it well while "on vacation."

Taking "time out" takes a little bit of discipline and practice. We know that from personal experience. Unless each week we make plans to attend a particular Mass, set the alarm for a particular time, figure out when and where to do breakfast or brunch and decide how to involve our families and friends in our Sunday worship and recreation, chances are much more likely that this precious time might be wasted on some screen, some mall or (for those so skilled) some video games.

In some cases, it might be the gravitational pull of the bed itself that makes the decision for us.

Those who are homebound, in the hospital or caring for others who are less mobile may feel especially disadvantaged. One might imagine better places to be, but standing in traffic on the way to a crowded mall or resort is not one of them. Heading out on a Sunday or off-day to visit someone who cannot get out will most likely take you on a far less congested route - and bring real relief, as well.

The soul needs refreshment much more even than the body. Although people may be more conscious of this than in the past, one becomes dehydrated more quickly in the hotter weather. Usually, by the time we feel thirsty, we are already dehydrated.

This rule is even more applicable to our spiritual life: We cannot abstain from the bread of life and expect our souls to thrive.

Of course, God is present wherever we are, and one need not be in a church to pray. Nor need prayer be something that is burdensome. After all, it is always God who invites us into the conversation with Him. Our job could be as simple as relaxing and letting Him speak to us.

It is fine to come to a church and attend Mass, because they are like a spiritual water fountain through which God pours out grace on us, washing away our sins and untwisting our tangled thoughts and desires. But, even then, we have to be willing to drink.

Just as we observe the practice of saying "grace" before meals, a good summer practice each time we have a beverage or feel the need for one is to remember to ask God to give us of His grace to drink, to hydrate our souls.

Those of us blessed with the gift of being able to "drink in" some beautiful scenery or a refreshing breath of air during this season can enrich our connection with the Lord by remembering to thank Him. Those of us less physically (or financially) mobile can pray for our more active sisters and brothers, that they treasure their blessings.

And remember: Wherever we are, the fresh air of God's presence is only a moment of prayer away. God loves us in summer, too![[In-content Ad]]

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