All The Small Things

So last weekend a few brave people from Deeper, along with Pastor Mark and some peeps from Youth of the Forest, braved the elements and lived as homeless people this weekend. Almost.

I say almost because according to our friend Steve, who really IS homeless, being homeless is a pretty solitary lifestyle. One of the reasons Steve likes Deeper and hanging out at Deeper events is to have good, adult conversations. And he is quite the conversationalist, let me tell you! But this weekend, being homeless for a few hours was actually fun because we had each other to talk to, hang out with, keep company. Even completely unplugged from the world (mostly), with no TV, computers, etc. you’d think we’d get bored, but in good company, I don’t think one can be bored.

I know for me, it can sometimes be discouraging to thing that maybe the world is passing me by. My house is small, I can’t take a month off of work to backpack through Europe, and so on. But then I think about Steve, who despite being where he is, is a rather jolly fellow. When we were done being homeless, I got to come home to a house with a roof to keep me from getting wet, a soft bed to sleep on, a car to get me where I need to go, food when I want to eat (and the ability to go to a restaurant if I don’t like the home food). Steve doesn’t really get to do any of those things, and when I really think about it, I’m thankful that I have been blessed as much as I have been.

Sure, I might not be Warren Buffet rich (although if I do win the lottery I hope I remain as humble as Mr. Buffet), but I have…enough. I know it’s not very American to say “I have enough” because our culture is one that constantly tells us “Enough is never enough.” And sure, I get bit by the ‘want’ bug sometimes, but I just try and keep everything in perspective.

I have what I need. I’m content. If I get more, great, if not, I still have enough. God truly has blessed my life (even if I don’t always see it). Take a minute to enjoy the little things in life, it’s SO worth it!