Summer is the time many people look forward to the most. It marks the end of the school year and a time for going to the lake, camping and family vacations.
Ah summer! The awesome time for doing nothing or next to nothing and feeling good about it. Yes, being lazy is always fun and relaxing and is restful for the body, mind and soul, but I have to remember that God did create the earth and all the seasons.
During the winter season, it is easy to sit in church and concentrate on what is being said. It is just part of the routine of that time of year. During the summer, routines are thrown out the door and forgotten about because it is easy to get caught up in the next fun thing to do for myself.
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Nolan Schmitz
When I was younger, I would forget what really matters to God and only do things that would matter to me. Sure my parents would still get me up for 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays and I would volunteer to altar serve and help out in different ways, but did it really mean anything to me? Over the years, my parents have forced me to try new church-related things and I have grown to love them.
Three summers ago my parents told me that I was going to attend Camp ReCreation, which is a camp for people with special needs, held every June for two weeks in Richardton. I was nervous to become a counselor because it sounded like a lot of work and it was mostly indoors, but it turned out to be the best part of the summer.
I have been going now for the past three summers and it has taught me to find God's glory in all people. The camp gives me a constant presence of Christ during the whole two weeks I am there. Every morning I voluntarily get up at 5 a.m. with a group of friends and walk across town to Assumption Abby and say morning prayer with the monks. This, many may think, is the strangest thing I could do considering all the stuff I have to accomplish during the day, but it brings the calmness of Christ to hold on to throughout the day.
As summer rolls on with other church camps and activities, I will remember to "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Nolan Schmitz, of Minot, is home-schooled by his mother. He will begin his junior courses this fall.