We have now crossed the threshold of the summer solstice, and despite the reality that we spend ever more time indoors, and separate from the ‘growing world’ of flourishing nature, there is still a subliminal urge for an adventure, an escape, a ‘road trip.’ Perhaps we might channel these impulses during the summer months to include a visit to a place, a community, that stretches our boundaries, and helps us to see the world through a wider lens. This doesn’t require thousand-dollar plane fares, or 3 pullman suitcases. Sometimes the diversity of the world lies close at hand. As nature blossoms around us in a treasure-trove of colors, scents, and flavors, we can claim a respite from our ‘normal’ concepts of summer fun to include cultures, cuisines, social practices, and even spiritual venues that can refresh and expand our horizons. Having celebrated the power and joy of Pentecost, we may learn to ‘speak’ to others whose ‘idiom’ (and even language!) differs from our own.

Pollination can occur in many forms, far beyond the buzzing labors of bees. Our summer journeys could help to seed a unique harvest of experiences that we can carry into our autumn and winter remembrances of what 2017 has brought into our lives. May your summer adventures help to enrich your experience of God through the abundant diversity of creation, in all its forms!

Blessings to all.

David C. Robinson, S.J.

Acting Executive Director, Loyola Institute for Spirituality