On the Monday after the Fourth of July weekend, I walked into the office and said to a summer staffer, “Welcome to the rest of the summer. Don’t blink or you might miss it.”
Well, we all had to blink eventually, and here we are – the winding down of a season that, in the minds of many, flies by all too quickly. As I write, we have about ten days left to enjoy conferences and Clubs, square dances, swimming and paddleboats, and games at the Bill Wilde Youth Center. About ten days to enjoy the moments of convening and renewal, of faith and spiritual development and friendship that are created here each summer.
As a youngster, I could not comprehend the reality that time is fleeting and that one must appreciate the experiences of the moment all the more because of it. I would say to my grandmother, “I wish it was Christmas,” and she would respond, “Don’t wish your life away.”1 Only later did I appreciate the wisdom of her words: that time is one of God’s most profound gifts and that we’re stewards of the hours we’re given. Moreover, when time is spent in worthwhile ways, we participate in something eternal beyond the limits of time.
This summer in Montreat was made possible in part by the time that volunteers gave, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, to help clear debris and restore trails, to support and encourage our staff and the Town of Montreat’s staff, to express their deep commitment to this place and what it does. People spent time getting their hands dirty, so to speak – rewarded primarily by the lift of a generous spirit. (Even now, people continue to reach out to help. Witness the work of two friends who took a few hours of vacation time this week to pull out vines choking off green spaces near Anderson Auditorium, or the cottager who is selling Montreat coloring books she designed this summer to support the town’s recovery.)
If you were one of them, you helped to restore not only physical spaces but also a sense of hope and resilience. Montreat is stronger because of you, and we are profoundly grateful. The vines may grow back, but the value of your time to make Montreat possible this summer was – and is – eternal.
And to all who participated in Montreat’s ministry this summer – to conferees and leadership, to full-time, part-time, and summer staff, to volunteers and all the members of our interchanging and interdependent community – thank you. Your presence, energy, and support made a huge difference.
As we prepare for summer’s end, I hope you carry with you more than just memories. For the time you spent with us, let our thanks travel with you and draw you back when the time is right. Until then, don’t wish your life away.
With gratitude,
Richard DuBose
President, Montreat Conference Center