Making the Most of Summer...
                   Without Missing It Altogether!

Take that long-awaited deep breath, kick off your shoes, and don your beachwear. Summer is finally here and you deserve a break. Months of Sunday school classes, special events and family activities are behind you. The textbooks are tucked away, classrooms are swept, and goodbyes are said. Now the gears will thankfully shift from overdrive to a slow purr. Oh, there's still Vacation Bible School to consider and perhaps a few family get-togethers to plan, but for the most part things do slow down. It's a blessing, right? But what if this sudden switch from crowded calendars to less-structured time comes with a down side. You're thinking I will finally make a dent in the to-do pile that grew when I wasn't looking . But can this enthusiasm to tackle the world of forgotten projects and back-burner ideas stick, once the "must-have-it-done-yesterday" carrot no longer dangles before you?

Obviously you can't ignore summer's opportunities to rest, relax, and recharge- we all need a change in pace. And yet, taking a breather shouldn't rule out productivity anymore than ignoring summer and keeping up your breakneck speed should allow summer to morph into just another fall on your calendar. What's a religious educator to do?

Divide and conquer the pile . First, be aware that to-do piles or lists only look overwhelming because: (1) they haven't been broken down into workable units, and (2) not everything needs to be taken care of this very second! Rearranging your bookshelves, for instance, could probably wait until the next ice age. But in boxes that resemble neglected compost piles, stuffed file cabinets that refuse to close without a fight, and toppling piles of project supplies need to be addressed now. Schedule 15 minutes to half an hour on your calendar every other day and keep your promise to focus on this area until it's done to your satisfaction. Then purchase a variety of plastic organizer boxes to store items too precious to toss but not needed in the near future. Utilize, label, and tuck them away. The cleared space will not only clear your mind, but also free up space for next fall. While you're at it, why not reward yourself with some personalized pencils; the adult version of a school child's new box of crayons!

Develop an absolute must-do list . Next, get out the pen and paper. Time for the "must-do this summer" list. Although it will differ with each individual, this list probably includes things such as ordering books and supplies, recruiting teachers, and securing classroom space. Create your absolute list, number each entry, and place a date to begin and a date to finish next to each one. You may not get everything accomplished by the set date, but this list should hold a place of honor on your desk until you feel you've got the upper hand on each item. As an incentive, reward yourself as you cross off each item with perhaps a purchase from your local bookstore (for that summer reading) and or extra time in the backyard hammock. You spend all year doing for others, so take time to be good to yourself!

Create a dream list. With the clutter removed and the absolutes taken care of, dream a little. The best ideas often come from unstructured time. Write down everything you hope to accomplish within your program, and feel free to add to this list whenever an idea strikes you. The items don't have to be obtainable- not right now, or perhaps ever-but brainstorming with your clearer summer mind allows ideas to flow. For example, you know that purchasing the helicopter and landing pad to make commuting easier probably won't come up in the near future, but you might actually find time to review the curriculum series that has been parked next to your desk the last several months. Schedule times to evaluate this list throughout the summer, and when those dates come around, choose an item and devote a specified amount of time to it. You may be surprised how many dreams become realities!

Give yourself permission to relax! Finally, remember you can only do your best when you are at your best. Give yourself permission to unwind this summer. When you leave the office, really leave the office . Save time on your calendar for family fun and chances to get away. Seek out the warm weather, bask in the longer days, and truly appreciate the slower pace. Above all, take time to be still and to pray.

Make the most of summer without losing it altogether. When you take time this summer to organize your thoughts, schedule a structured yet flexible work plan, and sprinkle in lots of opportunities for fun (because you deserve it), chances are when the fall returns, you will be ready and so will your program.

Molly Wright has served as director of religious education at St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia, Missouri, for 10 years, and is a member of the Church Volunteer Central Advisory Council .

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