I have a confession to make—I am not a summer person.
While many people count down the days until warm weather arrives, I find myself looking forward to the seasons that come before and after it. The heat, the humidity, and the busyness of summer are not always my favorite things.
But over the years, I have discovered something important: even in a season that may not be my favorite, God always provides moments of joy.
For me, those moments are found in the simple things that make summer special—the quiet mornings on the water, fishing from a boat, walks and hikes through familiar trails, exploring somewhere new, gathering around a bonfire with family and friends, and watching my dog experience every outdoor adventure like it is the greatest thing that has ever happened.
Perhaps this is one of the most beautiful lessons that life teaches us: we don’t have to love every circumstance to find something good within it. Sometimes joy isn’t found in the season itself. Sometimes joy is found in the moments God gives us during that season.
When I look back on summer, the memories that stand out are rarely about the heat or the busy schedules. They are the unexpected conversations, the laughter around a fire, the peaceful moments on the lake, the excitement of catching a fish, the beautiful sunsets, and the walks where I was reminded to slow down and simply be present.
As Catholics, we believe that every gift comes from God. When we take time to notice these small blessings, we begin to recognize that He is present not only in the major milestones of our lives, but also in the ordinary moments we sometimes overlook.
These are a few of the summer moments I hope I never outgrow.
Time on the Water
Even though summer isn’t my favorite season, there is something about being on the water that makes me appreciate it a little more.
Maybe it’s the feeling of leaving the busyness of everyday life behind. Maybe it’s the peaceful rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the sun reflecting off of the water, or the way conversations seem to last longer when there is nowhere else you need to be.
One of my favorite summer traditions is spending time on the boat—not just riding across the lake, but fishing.
There is something peaceful about sitting with a fishing pole in your hand, watching the water, and waiting for that little tug on the line. Fishing teaches patience in a world that is often moving too quickly. It reminds us that not everything has to happen immediately and that some of the best moments come when we simply slow down and wait.
Some of my favorite summer memories happen during those quiet moments on the boat. They aren’t necessarily the biggest adventures. They are the simple ones—watching the sunrise or sunset over the water, laughing when someone catches a fish, enjoying time with family and friends, or sitting quietly and appreciating the beauty around me.
The water has a way of reminding us to slow down. The emails can wait. The chores will still be there tomorrow. For a little while, we can simply enjoy the moment we have been given.
Fishing also carries a special reminder of faith. Some of Jesus’ closest disciples were fishermen. He called Peter, Andrew, James, and John while they were working on their boats, inviting them to leave their nets behind and follow Him.
Perhaps that is part of what makes time on the water so meaningful. Like the disciples, we are reminded to be patient, listen, trust, and remain open to where God is leading us.
“He said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.'”
— Matthew 4:19
Walks, Trails, and Adventures with Franzik
One of my favorite parts of warmer weather is having more opportunities to be outside with my dog, Franzik. If you’ve ever spent time with a dog, you know they have a wonderful ability to find excitement in the simplest things. For Franzik, every walk is an adventure. Every trail is worth exploring, every tree deserves a sniff, every new sound is worth investigating.
I often joke that he reminds me to slow down because he never seems to be in a hurry, and this is coming from a dog who is extremely active, loves to run, and needs constant loves – except while on our walks. While I may start a walk thinking about everything I need to do, Franzik is completely focused on enjoying the moment right in front of him. And honestly, I think there is a lesson there.
How often do we rush through our days without noticing the beauty around us? How often are we already thinking about tomorrow before we have fully appreciated today?
Walking with Franzik has become more than just exercise. It has become a reminder to pause, breathe, pray, and thank God for the simple gifts around me.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.”
— Psalm 19:2
Exploring New Places
One thing I do enjoy about summer is the opportunity to explore. Sometimes that means a planned trip. Other times it means taking a different road, discovering a small town, finding a new trail, or visiting a place I have never been before. There is something exciting about seeing something new.
Travel reminds us that the world is much bigger than our daily routines. It opens our eyes to different places, different people, and different experiences.
One tradition I enjoy when traveling is visiting local Catholic churches. There is something special about walking into a church away from home and realizing that, even in a place where everything feels unfamiliar, you are still connected to the same faith community.
The architecture may be different. The community may be different. But Christ is present. No matter where we go, we are never far from Him.
“The LORD himself will go before you; he will be with you. He will never fail you or forsake you.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8
Bonfires and the Gift of Being Together
I don’t think I will ever outgrow a summer bonfire. There is something comforting about gathering around a fire at the end of the day. The crackling flames, the smell of the smoke, the laughter, the stories, and the simple joy of being together.
In a world where so much of life happens through screens, bonfires remind us how important it is to slow down and connect with one another. The best conversations often happen when there is no schedule to follow and nowhere else to rush off to. Just people sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying the moment.
God created us for relationships. He created us to encourage one another, celebrate together, and share the joys and challenges of life.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
— Matthew 18:20
Finding Joy in the Little Things
Maybe the greatest lesson summer has taught me is that joy does not always come from loving every circumstance. Sometimes joy comes from noticing the blessings within it.
For me, summer joy looks like a peaceful walk with Franzik, a quiet morning fishing on the boat, a beautiful evening on the water, exploring a place I’ve never been, sitting around a fire with people I love, watching a sunset, laughing until my cheeks hurt, taking a moment to thank God for another day.
These moments may seem small, but they often become the memories we carry with us the longest.
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
A Season of Gratitude
As summer eventually comes to an end, I know I won’t remember every hot day or every busy moment.
But I will remember the blessings, the laughter, the adventures, the conversations, and the quiet moments. The memories made with family, friends, and a very enthusiastic poodle who reminds me that every day can be an adventure if we choose to see it that way.
Maybe we don’t have to love every season of life to appreciate what it brings us. Maybe the lesson is learning to find God’s goodness wherever we are. Because even in the seasons we would not choose for ourselves, God is still present. He is still giving. He is still creating moments of joy.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
— James 1:17
Whether summer is your favorite season or simply a season you learn to appreciate, take time to notice the gifts it brings. Take that boat ride, cast that fishing line, travel to that new place, or try that new coffee shop. When you do, pause long enough to recognize the beauty of that moment God has placed right in front of you.