Today is the last day of our college program for the summer. We are proud of the students from 43 different colleges who studied with us this summer. We are inspired by their commitment to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth. And we are grateful for their willingness to embody the loving community that Jesus calls us to, with one another and with the rest of God’s creation.

Lord, be present especially with the young who must choose between many voices. Help them to know how much an old world needs their youth and gladness. Help them to know that there are words of truth and healing that will never be spoken unless they speak them, and deeds of compassion and courage that will never be done unless they do them. Help them never to mistake success for victory or failure for defeat.

Grant that they may never be entirely content with whatever bounty the world may bestow upon them, but that they may know at last that they were created not for happiness but for joy.

—Frederick Buechner