so, after 33+ hours in a 15-passenger van, i have returned from the "windy city." i couldn't have asked for a better time. 16 of us stayed with Jesus people usa, which is basically a community of believers that works, lives, serves, worships, plays, etc... together. they live in an old remodeled hotel called "friendly towers" once known as the "chelsea hotel." it's hard to explain but everyone shares everything. money, resources, food, everything is pooled and somehow it all works out fine. they also operate shelters, half-way homes, daycares, after school programs, rehabs, etc...

this last week we cooked and served food to the homeless, took care of and played with homeless kids, cleaned, painted, dry-walled, moved things, made donation pickups, all kinds of stuff. it was a blast and the youth really enjoyed everything. it was a growing and learning experience for everyone. we also got to do some other stuff like take the "el train" to a switchfoot show at a club called metro. we ate chicago stuffed pizza at a place called giordano's. and we got schooled in basketball by some jesus people. (home court advantage.)

being at jesus people has made me re-evaluate my need for stuff. everyone there was able to live joyfully and fullfilled yet without much in the "possessions department." sometimes, our possessions possess us. detatchment from wealth and possessions is not a law, but a means to freeing up our desires. that said, here's some richard foster for you...

"If what we have we receive as a gift, and if what we have is to be cared for by God, and if what we have is available to others, then we will possess freedom from anxiety. This is the inward reality of simplicity. However, if what we have we believe we have gotten, and if what we have we believe we must hold onto, and if what we have is not available to others, then we will live in anxiety. Such persons will never knowsimplicity regardless of the outward contrtions they may put themselves through in order to live 'the simple life.' "
-richard foster
"celebration of discipline"