Two weeks ago I had the privilege of spending a weekend with some new and old friends in a chalet in the mountains of Washington State with no agenda but to exchange thoughts and ideas and share pieces of our lives together. It was the fulfillment of a longtime dream of mine to get my favorite people together around a hearth with time to talk and pursue any avenue of discussion that might seem fruitful at the time.
It didn’t hurt that we had a host who took care of our physical needs, preparing memorable meals while we talked so that the talk moved from the hearth to the table and back to the hearth again throughout a 48-hour period. Most of the people involved were in the professional arts in some way be it writing, playwriting, theater, filmmaking, poetry, journalism photography and dance.
My working definition of an artist is one who stays a little longer and this weekend, made available through the foresight and planning of three individuals, did just that. It was a long drink at the well of human kindness and creativity, and my parched soul drank in every bit of it – so much so that I didn’t want it to end. It honestly felt a little like what I imagine heaven to be like.
T.S. Elliot once asked, “Where is the life we have lost in living?” It is a not-so-subtle indictment on our busy lifestyles that we have to plan a weekend like this and wait thirty years to get there, when, in its simplest form, this is what life is all about. Taking time to just meet and talk with friends almost seems like a misuse of time if it isn’t gaining some desired result or fitting into someone’s bigger agenda.
My experience this weekend has caused me to rethink the value of relationships and the time we put into them. Such time needs no justification; it is time well spent.
John Fischer The Catch 
We have been toying with the idea of all getting together (six good friends from school ~ we all graduated in 1975 so you do the math). Our thinking is that better now than if we start meeting up at a funeral. Your article “sealed the deal” for me and I forwarded it to my friends. Indeed, it is always “time well spent’. Thank you!
Do it!
I couldn’t agree with you more! The value of relationships cannot be overstated. I have a lot of friends across North America and some abroad. I have always made time for them, but not as much as I would like. They do not know each other, and sometimes I think it would be fun to get them all in one room – what fun that would be. They are ‘quality’ friends who have been by my side in the tough times and the good times. God designed us to have relationships! Thanks for your great post.
Hi,
My first thought came from the first line in this writing; was the Chalet in Leavenworth, WA. A most beautiful place to gather with friends? I feel this is so important and I am glad you made a point of keeping our relationships close; our friends are a gift from God and He intended for us to gather together to worship, to bond and to break bread. My girlfriends and me gather in Leavenworth often to do this very thing.
Thank you for your insight,
Right on, John! Right ON!
Hey you were right in my back yard! Next time let me know next time & I’ll join y’all.
Glad you had a splendid time, John. It’s obvious you were revived & refreshed & renewed. Looking forward to seeing what comes of all this amazing energy!
My “well spent” time consists of reading The Catch. Thanks, John, for your insight. It is truly inspired by God.