Experiencing God in Summer Activities
I so enjoy the days of summer. There is more time to be and do that which I enjoy and that which breathes life into my spirit. I spend more time with family in moments of relaxation; I find more time to do a little golfing; I spend more time smelling the flowers and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation; in prayer I spend time in wonder and awe knowing God’s presence in all of life.
Where have I experienced God recently? I spent time with my sister Sue and my brother-in-law Don. My older sister, for years upon years, has been confined to a wheel chair with the crippling disease of MS. Her spirit remains strong in spite of the significant limitations of her life. I discover God’s presence in my sister Sue as she laughs and enjoys the simple pleasures of life.
I discovered God’s abiding presence in going to a Red Wing ball game with my nephew Matt and Michelle and their four enthusiastic children who are loyal baseball fans. Their grandfather Larry came with us as well. Baseball is America’s game, and it is also a great way to experience the joy of family.
In case you are worried that I’m getting a big head, know that my golf game teaches me humility in spades. It’s amazing how hitting a little white ball can be such a challenge. Fortunately, wandering around a golf course is an opportunity to experience the beauty of God’s creation. But yes, God can be found in the sand traps of life.
Celebrating Mass down at Camp Stella Maris with the excitement and energy of the campers and counselors is indeed a God moment. What is lacking in solitude is made up for in the faith-filled joy and wonder of our youth. Thanks be to God for the presence of our youth among us.
Summer time is a time for weddings. Almost every weekend, I have the joy of presiding at the wedding of a couple filled with dreams and hopes for their life together. Thanks be to God for the faith that brings two people to the altar of God to begin their life together. Families come together to celebrate their son/daughter’s life defining commitment.
In summer time, there is more time to read, pray, and relax with friends and to know the joy of a simple meal. While there is a side of me that is a high energy person, I also value time to “Be still and know that the Lord is God.” (Ps 46:10)
May you too enjoy these remaining days of summer. I invite you to take a moment to share how you experience God on these summer days.
posted by Fr. Jim Schwartz at
12:40 AM
3 Comments:
I find God's presence especially in nature in this summer season. Whenever I am outside, God seems to be whispering to me in nature. My yoga, jogging, walking or taking in a sunset all help me realize the beauty of God's presence and my own inner beauty as well. Later this month, I'll join family members for an end of summer picnic/birthday event. Without a doubt, God's presence will be there amid the chatter about returning to college, seeing the Blue Jays play the Red Sox, the latest Red Wing game. My journaling after these encounters enable me to more fully know God is ultimately in my life all of the time, if only I pay attention.
This evening about 50 parishioners gathered in Room One to watch the movie, "Joshua" based on the novel by Father Joseph Girzone.
Nancy Veronesi commented to me after the movie that she loved the fact that one message of the movie was that a priest doesn't have to be responsible for all of the ministering. . . the whole community worked together in the movie.
Nancy's comment has been running through my mind the past couple of hours. It reminded me once again of how we are richly blessed and witness God's presence in the lives of our wonderful staff.
They show us the face of God so many times and in so many ways. Matt Curlee had the movie projector, sound system and screen all set up for us and ready to go. Nancy Veronesi and Cathy Kamp were there early to help set up, oversee the evening and help serve all that were there. Fr. Jim stayed with us after the movie to help stack chairs and vacuum the room.
I also saw Jesus serving us through the volunteers. Heidi Miller popped popcorn that was enjoyed by many. Tom Long and Lucy Nunn helped set up and serve and clean up.
Just as Jesus served and continues to serve us all. . . he continually shows us his face in the smiles and lives of our wonderful staff. I am thankful for each and every one of those wonderful men and women and grateful for that vision of Jesus.
Last evening 5 adults and 6 teens gathered at St. Joe's with ladders and saws, hedge trimmers, rakes and work gloves. They trimmed the trees that were ovehanging on the building roofs, trimmed the hedges & bushes in front of the Malley building, raked the wood chips in the play ground to fill in the holes under the swings. They also worked inside in the Kitchn to finish installing the new drop ceiling. We worked for about 2 hours and accomplished all that. It was a great feeling of pride that we could share our time with the place we worship our God. I would like to call on everyone in the parish to find 2 hours to give to St. Joe's using what ever gifts and talents you have. Get involved, look around and see that the flowers need water & trimming, call & offer to help do that. Find out what needs to be done to get the School ready to welcome our students back. Two hours can do alot of work during the work day or on next Wednesday evening when the work crew will gather again to do more.
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