For educators, the next few days and weeks will mark the completion of graduation events, final exams, grading, teacher meetings, end-of-the-year picnics and the welcomed shift to the behind-the-scenes vision-casting, strategy-forging, program-building, policy-revising, and breath-catching time of summer.
Make the most of it. I don't offer this in a harsh way, but rather with encouragement and compassion. Bl. Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, recommended those within his order follow this advice during periods of downtime:
How many things we have to learn! We have only to recall the duties of the priest or the teacher to understand how frightful would be our responsibility to religion, parents, and ourselves were we to neglect to acquire or preserve the knowledge proper to our vocation. Let us make good use of all our leisure time, so as to increase the fund of information that will make us more useful to the congregation and build up the reputation of its members. Above all, let us not only study, but let us observe the liturgy and ceremonies of the Church, the rubrics, the sacred chant, and let us be faithful to our rules and constitutions.
As you take time to replenish, restore, and rejuvenate, stay anchored in prayer and continue to enhance your knowledge and skills in Catholic school education and leadership.
The God of the universe built the seasons into the rhythm of creation to allow for this regeneration each year. This same God inspired His Church to mimic this wisdom and do the same with the liturgical calendar to foster new growth. Similarly, one of His commandments invites us to set aside time each week for worship, community, and rest.
The same is true for how we have been created as humans: taking periodic breaks can provide more productivity, moving can reset our ability to concentrate, and God hard-wired us to need sleep each day.
While there is much about education that we can and should change, having periods of recreation can garner greater gains during our times of intense focus.
The key in any of these seasons, but especially in those of recreation, is to be intentional about what, how, and why we do it.
Plans guard against binge watching and mindless scrolling. Plans encourage us to look back at periods of break with satisfaction - I finally read that book, I finally took that trip, I finally made that phone call, I finally cleaned that room, I finally tried that recipe, I finally got back into exercising, I finally took up that new hobby, I finally spent quality time with friends/family. Plans keep us from overindulging in these needed moments of pleasure, leisure, and entertainment.
While this nudge toward intentionality isn't meant to be harsh, it also isn't meant to script out and control every moment of our lives. Too much rigidity, especially in seasons of recreation, can illicit a negative effect.
Spontaneity, whimsicality, improvisation, and flexibility play key roles in allowing the Holy Spirit to mold, fill, and use us in ways beyond our limited imaginings.
So, create a plan for this upcoming season of summer. And, allow God to re-create both it and you in the process.
He's making all things new.
Including you.
