By Gary VanDeLaarshot
I can’t think of anyone I know who doesn’t look forward to spring and summer seasons. And why not? We get a break from the winter doldrums and there are so many activities to look forward to. Things like golf, camping, backyard barbeques, fishing, swimming, boating, etc. And let’s not forget the summer vacation, when we get to take a break from the daily grind of our professional life and spend some well-earned time with family and friends engaging in these activities. It all sounds pretty good, right?
There is no argument that the activities of this season are good for us both physically and emotionally, but, there is always the risk that we lose sight of some of the other really important aspects of our life – like our Faith.
Earlier this month a group of Seton Men gathered for our 3rd quarterly Courageous Meet-Up. The topic of our 90 minute session was “How Not To Take A Vacation From Our Faith” this summer. Let’s face it, when we are having all this fun some of our regular routines might go by the wayside for a few months. Do we do this intentionally or does it just kind of happen because we get busy?
I think it just kind of happens.
The word “intentional” jumps out to me as the key to maintaining a good faith life when all this fun starts to distract us. During our Meet-Up, three of our Seton brothers shared how they are intentional about their faith and challenged us all to stay focused, even in the summer.
John Warne shared how his early morning routine of reading scripture, enjoying the quiet solitude, and journaling his thoughts and prayer keeps his day centered on the values and activities important to him and his family.
Joe LaCombe shared with the group how his family has made a tradition of weekly adoration in the Seton Adoration Chapel. When he misses this time with his wife and son it changes his week in a way that is unsettling, even in the summer months.
And we learned from Martin Moorman about how he has carried the Rosary with him most of his adult life, but has only recently learned the value of praying the Rosary every day. It is a practice his mother and father share with their family growing up that has now become an intentional part of Martin’s prayer life.
We talked in small groups about many practices and ideas we, as men of faith, can easily make a priority in our day. And when we do it intentionally, it has a powerful impact on each of us and the people around us.
In my own case I find it hard to stick with a daily routine. So I am thankful to the men of Seton, especially those who have been such great role models of the faith and shown me various options. We each simply need to find the right plan for our life and be intentional.