By Sister Judine Hilbing, OP
While leisure can be defined as time spent away from business, work, domestic chores, and education, we simply can’t put it off until all the work is done. We need to take time to care for the mind, body, and spirit by carving out time and space for relaxation. Doing so provides an energy source that will help us accomplish our work in a more productive manner. Whether a person is engaged in Gospel ministry, parenthood, a professional occupation, or any other aspect of productive activity, leisure is absolutely critical to a well-balance life.
Unless we truly embrace leisure as a priority, it will elude us in the midst of busy days. There will always be one more email to send, one more phone call to make, or one more task to be accomplished. It can be easy for us to think we are too busy for leisure activity; however, the very act of relaxing makes us more productive in our ministry, job performance, and interpersonal relationships. 
The manner in which each person finds leisure is determined by many factors, not the least of which are age, health, and opportunity. Whether it’s physical activity, spectator sports, social gatherings, pursuit of the arts, hobbies, or introspective activities that bring us joy, finding that which nurtures the soul is a key ingredient for keeping the human person at peak performance.
I like to think of participating in leisure activity as being somewhat similar to maintaining our cars and computers with regular tune ups. We don’t hesitate to have a planned schedule of maintenance for these factory-produced items because we know they will break down if not given proper attention. The human spirit, carefully created by a loving God, is infinitely more precious and requires an intentionally planned schedule of maintenance.
When I reminisce about years gone by, swimming, tennis, sailing, and water skiing were at the top of my list of fun things to do. Those more active forms of recreation gave way in middle age to bicycle riding, walking, tending the flowers, and enjoying outdoor concerts. There will come a day when even these less strenuous forms of leisure are no longer possible, yet I am confident that other options will emerge. The question is always, “What brings me joy?” Classical music, reading, dinner conversation, or sitting outside in the cool night air will hopefully remain throughout old age.
Leisure has to be planned because it is so elusive. Time gets away too quickly. So grab a book, share coffee with a friend, go for a run, take a walk in nature, tend the flowers, listen to music, or cry at a good movie. Soak in the blessing of each day and keep your inner spirit alive and well. Find your joy!
Sister Judith is director of scholarships and tuition assistance at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, Ill.
