June 20, 2004

Summertime stewardship

It’s time to replenish mind and body and renew relationships.

Summer’s a time to change the pace of schedules and take advantage of opportunities to enjoy a break from routine activities and to relax, refresh, observe, learn, and travel. Each individual needs time to replenish his or her mind and body as an exercise of personal stewardship. Renewing bonds with Christ, family, relatives, neighbors, and friends offers special summer benefits.

Delight in the summer change of pace is introduced and appreciated when young children first take a break from school. Many a child has spent the summer months exploring the wonders of the world as near as the backyard or as far as travel permits. Neighborhood, community, and world take on new meaning through time and experiences. Summer months offer special times to observe, encounter, and become one with the day and nighttime marvels surrounding us. Summer also allows us the chance to dream, reflect, and become creative with the use of our time.

One day children might play as pioneers traveling to settle new lands. Another day spaceships designed from boxes might take friends to the far reaches of the universe. Each one of us has memories of other summers valued as steppingstones to our continued growth and development. Sharing our memories in stories and photos is a special way to relate the past to the present in continued appreciation of summertime experiences.

Our call to serve as stewards to others continues throughout the summer months.

We share experiences and relationships with those around us, demonstrating our stewardship as we show patience with travelers who may be confused in unfamiliar places; greet and get to know others; and strive to communicate, especially when different languages and customs are involved.

Scouting practices leave a camp or visiting site in a condition as good as or better than it had been. These practices reflect thankfulness and appreciation for the opportunities and experiences that are realized as benefits of the place and excursion.

We can use these same principles in caring for the environment and supporting others’ needs wherever we spend our summertime. There is always a need for caring and sharing with others, particularly those who may not be as fortunate to have the opportunities and resources that we may possess. We leave our mark wherever we go as footprints in time.

Families enhance relationships with one another through the special times they spend together, especially in the summer. Changes of pace offer unique opportunities to develop memories we never want to forget. Downtime to explore the world together, play games, watch a sunset, sit down for meals as a family, converse, and more are all so precious.

Special times shared between different generations of families build both bonds and memories. Summertime blesses families with opportunities to connect family members in very special ways.

Faith never goes on vacation. Summertime is optimal for personal spiritual growth through reading, reflection, faith-enriching travel experiences and prayer time. Call Mass Times, a ministry to traveling Catholics, at 410-676-6000, or check Masstimes.org for assistance in finding churches and Mass times in vacation spots. May God be with you in all your summertime experiences and expressions.

Suzanne Erpenbach is the director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.