Being our last day in North Carolina at the Ridgecrest conference center, I feel a need to write a few words of our experience. It is certainly beautiful here among the trees and rolling hills that become mountains of greenery and gentle aesthetic joy. Giant trees adorn the cascading landscape and seem to tower above the land, touching the blue sky that blankets the world in mesmerizing magic.
At first I felt rather claustrophobic in that things seemed close together and the sky was so far away. In Texas, particularly as one travels West, the sky feels close and the sight line extends for miles. Yet here in North Carolina, the sight is limited and one feels like a bird sitting in a nest wondering what glories exist outside of the home. But after a time, I began to accept the landscape and now feel as though a security comforter surrounds me. Different from Texas but splendid in grandeur.
The week itself was enriching in many ways--musically, spiritually, and physically. Highlights include a marvelous concert by Dennis Jernigan, a Christian artist with a strong testimony, immense talent, and an enviable career. Yet many great musicians walked the steps of Ridgecrest this week--Michael Adler, Dick Tunney, Craig Adams, Jay Rouse, the Sisters, and Brian Free and Assurance. One great song after another kept us engaged in worship. Fast, gospel, slow, meaningful, powerful music seemed to merge together to form an unforgettable experience for everyone present. It is hard to say which moment or which song was the favorite.
A side excursion took us to the monumental and famous Biltmore Mansion and estate where we walked and walked from room to room through the gardens and onward to the farm and winery. The magnificent structure was totally captivating including the pantry, dining rooms, exercise room, indoor pool, music room, and lavish art. The room that left me aching was of course the library with two floors of books I was desperate to study and hold. Yet the rope (and the guards) kept me from acting upon my temptations and I exerted great self-control, coveting along the way the books. Quite an experience all told. The rich are different that is for sure.
Back to the conference. Yes we played in the orchestra, hiked the trails, prayed, drank coffee, and even did some book shopping in the little town of Black Mountain down the road. Not wanting to leave yet knowing we must return, I finish this little essay up by saying that I feel blessed to have my family with me and to have the opportunity to worship God in so many ways.
See you back in Texas!
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