Summers Have Changed
When I was a kid, growing up in Phoenix, I loved summers.
Although it was hot, the weather never seemed to bother us. Summer started in June and ended after Labor Day. Our days were filled with TV, play, Totino’s frozen pizzas, and swimming. It was a good life!
Summers changed for two reasons. One, I got older. And two, schools now go year-round. Summer is not the same.
Now, for me, and many of you, summer is something to endure. The heat that never bothered me growing up here now torments me. The goal of summer in Phoenix for many of us is simply to try to leave. Summer is something to be dreaded. At best, on a spiritual level, summer is a good reminder that I do not want to go to hell. By August, it seems like we have been there.
There has got to be a better way to view summer in Phoenix.
Maybe God invites us to use this time to be indoors and to reflect on our relationship with Him. Maybe God wants us to take a ride to Northern Arizona and see the beauty that God our creator, has given to us. Maybe God wants us to read some spiritual books. And, maybe God wants us to see summer in Phoenix as a gift instead of a burden.
So, I am going to try to make it through Labor Day without complaining about the heat. I will also try to make it through the summer without complaining about how many folks have left the Valley and are not at Church on Sundays. I am going to use this time, which is a little slower than other times of the year at Church, to focus on my spiritual journey. I want to look back at summer 2024 and say, “What a great summer…just like the old days!”
If you are wondering how to use this time to focus on your spiritual life, I can give you some tips:
1) Do some spiritual reading (our church library is ready for you).
2) Spend some quality time with family or friends you don’t normally spend time with.
3) Give yourself a retreat day by driving to Payson, Prescott, or Flagstaff and sit in the trees and the beautiful creation.
4) Listen to more Christian music.
5) Try to contemplate.
6) Sit in your air-conditioned home and read the bible.
Any of these suggestions will help you to grow with God.
Perhaps the hardest suggestion might be to change your outlook. Enjoy the summer. Stop complaining and find joy in these summer months.
None of us are kids anymore. Yet, we are still allowed to enjoy the summer. It is more than not having to go to school…but a season of life which is an absolute gift of God.
Happy Summer!
Love, Fr. Dale