At this time of year, I dream of the open road, of getting out of town, and getting away from the demands of parish ministry for a while. In recent years I’ve been fortunate to make almost annual trips to Yellowstone National Park, where I hike and fish and find plenty of solitude, once you get away from the road. This picture is of the Yellowstone River, near the end of its Grand Canyon, where it enters the Black Canyon. I love going down to this place, which feels wild and spacious, where there are trout swimming in these blue-green waters.
I love being out in the Rocky Mountain West, with its big sky and dry air and sense of spaciousness and possibility. This year I fantasized about driving out there, because it seemed risky to fly. But even that trip, in this time of COVID-19, seemed irresponsible and a bad idea. So I’m staying closer to home. And there’s something good and lovely about enjoying the gifts of summer, right here. Watching the grass grow. Pulling weeds. Getting up early to go fishing with a friend. Having dinner outdoors with your wife and daughter. Especially at this time of year, I feel so blessed. And I hope you can find ways to enjoy the simple blessings of summer, wherever you are, while they are here.
And still, I am doing some heading out this summer. This morning I’m driving north, up to Pittsburg, NH, where I’ll camp and hike and fish for a few days. I’ve only been to that area once, and I’m looking forward to exploring around there, seeing what I find. Wading in new waters, and hopefully, meeting some trout!
It’s a trying time we’re living in, and it seems these days are demanding some endurance from us, to keep on social distancing and wearing masks and taking precautions. I’m so grateful to be able to get to open spaces and flowing waters. Where I’ll feel blessed and restored, as I continue to pray for our world: that all will be safe, and well.