In the quiet stillness of the Montreat Wilderness, we often find that it is easier to listen for God’s small, still voice — a voice that calls us, guides us, and nurtures us — and give thanks. There, nestled among the trees, we are invited to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and take time to pause, reflecting on the many ways that God is at work in our lives. As Thanksgiving celebrations linger and we enter the season of Advent, we wanted to share a few ways that you can practice gratitude while enjoying Montreat’s trails or other wilderness spaces. May gratitude begin to “take root” in your heart as you explore the following practices:
Perhaps the easiest way to give thanks for God’s creation is by simply taking it all in. As you walk along the twisting mountain trails, pay attention to how the sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor below. Here, we are reminded of life’s constant renewal: branches grow and new leaves unfurl, they later change color and then fall to the earth where they provide nutrients for continued growth. Use this as an opportunity to remember that you, too, are part of this cycle and possess the capacity for growth and renewal. Give thanks for God’s nourishing hand in your own life.
Similarly, the Montreat Wilderness is a great space to engage all of your senses and to thank God for the richness of our lives. Take a moment to look for unique flowers and mushrooms, to listen to the babble of the creek or the rhythm of your footsteps, and feel the cool wind as it blows through the forest. Once you start to look for it, you’ll be amazed by the many small gifts we are blessed with. Use this time to appreciate and become aware of God’s constant faithfulness.
Stewardship is also an important of practicing gratitude. If you would like to take on a more active role as you appreciate and give thanks for our wilderness spaces, consider how you might be called to care for this place. Stewarding God’s creation can be as simple as leaving no trace when you hike or camp, or, perhaps, you might like to become involved as a volunteer, helping to maintain trails or educate others about the Montreat Wilderness. You might also choose to support the wilderness through a monetary donation. No matter how you choose to engage, your support helps us sustain and conserve these mountains so that future generations might also experience the beauty and refuge of God’s creation.
As you continue along your journey and eventually step back into daily life, we hope that the gratitude nurtured in these sacred spaces will accompany you. The Montreat Wilderness has a way of slowing our pace and widening our awareness, reminding us that God’s presence is woven into both the majesty of the mountains and the ordinary moments of our lives. May the thankfulness you discover here become a steady companion throughout the coming Advent season, guiding your steps, shaping your days, and grounding you in the enduring promise of God’s goodness.
This article was originally published in the November edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Stewarding God’s Creation which highlights information related to the Montreat Wilderness. Sign up to receive Stewarding God’s Creation directly in your inbox by clicking here.