Hey friends
So the last few weeks have been REALLY good. One reason why has been a self imposed fast of all mindless internet world wide web surfing. It's been a few weeks now, and besides a lack of blog posts, I've really noticed how much time I've "recovered." Sounds stupid, but it's amazing to me how many hours I could past mindlessly wandering the web, reading and searching and zoning. I'm not sure what this means for me long-term, but I'm intrigued. This certainly isn't a value statement regarding the internet and those who use (and abuse) her...more like a personal journey, recognizing what I'm consumed by and making some conscious decisions about how my life is lived. I recently got another email from my friend Sophie in the Sudan...boy, to get your world rocked like that.
Ever wonder what life would look like if you lived making decisions based on what you believed? I mean, not just giving lip service to pithy sayings, but actively engaging in a life lived intentionally? One thing I've always railed against was the consumeristic mindset we have in the West, that says we need three extra bedrooms and a basement the size of an arena JUST BECAUSE. I've heard it said we could eliminate homelessness in a week if every person who "said" they believed in Christ (and his teachings) actually opened their homes to someone in need. Well, in two weeks we start that adventure. Some friends of ours recently had the house sold they were renting, and they have some serious debt they need to address. So R and I told them they could live with us. And they said yes. So in a few weeks we have a perfectly normal, fun couple moving into our basement, and I have a feeling we'll never be the same. There's a certain excitement level for me in knowing that all the carefully constructed plans I've made to make sure people like me and respect me and know what a GREAT person I am will soon all be a heaping pile of crap to a few more people, who will see how selfish, self-centered (and silly) I am when I'm alone (R has known this for years, and still she loves me! What an angel).
So begins the next adventure for R and I. And I guess it goes without saying that a few weeks after our friends arrive we'll have another house guest join the party, although she'll be a bit more permanent (as in our daughter, due May 5th!)
I'll be coming back here more often, as I miss this outlet...but I think I'll continue to enjoy the unplugged life.
Peace...
PS-Sophie's email is LONG, but I'm thinking about posting it...let me know if you want to read it...
Ever wonder what life would look like if you lived making decisions based on what you believed? I mean, not just giving lip service to pithy sayings, but actively engaging in a life lived intentionally? One thing I've always railed against was the consumeristic mindset we have in the West, that says we need three extra bedrooms and a basement the size of an arena JUST BECAUSE. I've heard it said we could eliminate homelessness in a week if every person who "said" they believed in Christ (and his teachings) actually opened their homes to someone in need. Well, in two weeks we start that adventure. Some friends of ours recently had the house sold they were renting, and they have some serious debt they need to address. So R and I told them they could live with us. And they said yes. So in a few weeks we have a perfectly normal, fun couple moving into our basement, and I have a feeling we'll never be the same. There's a certain excitement level for me in knowing that all the carefully constructed plans I've made to make sure people like me and respect me and know what a GREAT person I am will soon all be a heaping pile of crap to a few more people, who will see how selfish, self-centered (and silly) I am when I'm alone (R has known this for years, and still she loves me! What an angel).
So begins the next adventure for R and I. And I guess it goes without saying that a few weeks after our friends arrive we'll have another house guest join the party, although she'll be a bit more permanent (as in our daughter, due May 5th!)
I'll be coming back here more often, as I miss this outlet...but I think I'll continue to enjoy the unplugged life.
Peace...
PS-Sophie's email is LONG, but I'm thinking about posting it...let me know if you want to read it...
March 10, 2008 at 12:52 PM
andrew - glad you are monitoring your web time down - i believe that is great
i watched more tv in the last 6 days while dealing with the flu than i recall in recent days.
i pray a blessing on your home and family as you demonstrate the love of the Lord to the people who will be moving in soon. it is humbling to invite others into your home and life like that - our experience with grandma and some friend's kids, etc... has always been good, however it brings a new meaning to bearing one another's burdens.
i am interested in the email - post it or send it to me - i would like to read top
March 10, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Shane,
You and Kim are an example of the good (and tough) that comes from opening up your home...we expect to learn from your experience. I'll be posting the email soon...it's worth a wide read. top
March 10, 2008 at 4:10 PM
That is super exciting - I'm glad they took you up on your offer. What a great example you are for the rest of us. K8 top
March 10, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Andrew,
I know what you mean about breaking the internet habit. Joyce ( yes...your joyce) and i used to spend hours in chat room. Before breaking the habit we both were concerned we'd miss it terribly, but agree it actually has really benefited us both.
During the big flood we had in NH in 2005 I took my friend and his family in for six weeks. While he wasn't homeless per se, the lack of utilitis in his town made it impossible to live in their home. Fortunately we have a guest house, so we all had our space and privacy. I was very touched and honored that he accepted my wife and my offer of help even over his own relatives.
One thing though. You said:
I've heard it said we could
eliminate homelessness in a
week if every person
who "said" they believed in
Christ (and his teachings)
actually opened their homes
to someone in need.
While an admirabe concept, I sincerly doubt the validity of that statement. Here's why...
Authorities agree that approximately 1/3rd of all homeless have mental diseases; and the majority of homeless have drug and/or alcohol abuse problems (some of which may be caused by their homeless state). Thus, without intentsive medical, psychological, and rehabilitation efforts and on going support, simply openig ones house to the homeless would not end homelessness. In fact, it could endanger the safety of these generous and caring people and their familys.
If only things were as simple as they seemed. top
March 10, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Andrew, thanks for being a true example of what it means to reflect Christ's love for us upon others. Sounds like it will be quite interesting. top