A few suggestions when in the midst of the doldrums

There is an area near the equator that is known for being difficult for sailors due to the lack of wind.  This phenomenon is known as doldrums.  As you can imagine, it would be very difficult to get any movement on a sailboat if you found yourself in the midst of the doldrums.
Maybe July is a bit like the doldrums in our lives.  We were all excited for the end of school and the beginning of summer.  Maybe we spent time at the beach, or at pools. Perhaps we visited museums or other attractions. As the weather has gotten hotter and hotter, our interest in going outside and doing things has waned.  Maybe we have a sense of malaise.  Maybe we can’t seem to find a wind to help us move along. I would like to suggest a few places that we might find some “wind” that will help us sail on:
1. Go to Mass. Maybe our regular routine does not allow for us to make it to Mass. Or, it may allow it in the abstract, but in reality it would just not be at all practical.  
These days open some possibilities.  Find out the Mass times at a parish or parishes near you and make it to Mass a few days in addition to fulfilling our Sunday obligation.
2. Pick up a good book.  Maybe the biography of St. Joan of Arc written by Mark Twain, or “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis.  If you want something more challenging, give “Confessions” by St. Augustine a read.  Want something lighter?  How about “For One More Day" by Mitch Albom.
3. Call Catholic Social Services:  (251) 434-1550 in Mobile County; (251) 947-2293 in Baldwin County; (251) 246-0131 in Clarke County;  (334) 793-3601 in Dothan; (334) 363-0698 in Lee County; (334) 288-8890, ext. 208 in Montgomery.  See how you can serve others near you.
These are just a few suggestions, but the point is this; we cannot just sit in the doldrums and hope that some wind will come along and get us moving.  We might need to force some movement that brings us to where we can find wind.
— Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at [email protected] For more information concerning the events of this office, visit us at mobilefaithformation.org