Fallow Time

June 26, 2025

Spring has turned to summer here in Manitoba, a season of activity and growth in our gardens and farms. If you venture past the perimeter you will see green fields as far as the eye can see, with farmers tending their new crops. That said, not every field has a crop planted, which can seem odd or even unproductive. Although it may seem like a wasted opportunity, there are important things happening where it seems like nothing is happening at all.

Farmers purposefully leave fields unplanted or fallow to allow the soil to replenish its nutrients in preparation for the next season of growth.  This practice has been in use for centuries on farms around the world. Fallow time helps restore fertility, reduce water consumption, and maintain better soil conditions. In fact, without this periodic rest, the soil can become stripped of all its goodness and will not be able to sustain and nourish plants.

In early June, I had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Catholic Schools Trustees Association Annual Conference in Halifax. Our keynote speaker, David Wells, spoke of the pressure many of us feel to be constantly productive, as if we need to be busy to prove our worth.  He stressed that we do not earn God’s favour through our “doing”, rather our “doing” is a response to His unconditional love.  He stressed that we need periods of inactivity, or fallow time, to rest and recharge ourselves for our work.

Summer is the perfect gift then, especially for those of us in schools. It gives us the opportunity to “rest” from the hustle of school life, after school activities and constant motion. It is a chance to recharge our bodies, minds, and spirits. For many of us, the summer months bring the opportunity to try new things—perhaps through travel, hobbies, or simply spending more time with family and friends. These experiences allow us to step away from the pressures of life and find joy in the simple moments. Just as a farmer nurtures the soil, our time away from our daily busyness nourishes us in ways we may not even realize at the time. It is not wasted time but an essential part of our journey. It allows us to return to our work and school as refreshed and renewed people, ready to learn, grow, and serve one another in love.

So, as you enjoy the days of summer, remember that rest is a gift—a way for us to find strength in stillness, to be renewed in faith, and to prepare ourselves for the wonderful opportunities the new year will bring. May God bless you with peace, joy, and rest during this fallow season, and may we all return to school with hearts and minds replenished for the new adventures that await us.

Peace,

Christine McInnis