This last weekend I participated in a student experience called Squatter Camp -- about 25 of us lived "homeless" from Friday evening until Sunday evening. We slept in the plaza here at Moody, and could only eat what we somehow get for ourselves off campus without money, or else if food is given to us, the person who brought the food had to go with us and feed a homeless person and we would eat with them. A lot of the purpose was to identify with them and know at least in part some of the things they go through. I went with just what I wore and a sleeping bag. Near the end I wasn't sure yet what I had gotten out of it, but when we were done, I felt like I didn't want to go back to having a place where I belonged -- where I "own" things and have a space set aside for me. It was a little because it seemed unfair, but more because the experience just seemed to pull me closer to the core of who I am in Christ and I just didn't want to own things for myself anymore. I didn't feel like I wanted to step back up to the name that I had for myself before -- a college student who had a job, possessions, and a family to care for me. I only now realize that since I've always shared a room, I've always wanted to have my own room. I know it's a healthy desire to have my own personal space, to own land or a house, but.... I know I don't have anything of my own, but I mustn't want anything for myself either. A dorm room, even if it is the smallest one I've ever seen, is more than I need. My laptop is more than I need. Music at my fingertips is such a commodity that I've spent so much money on. The music as well as the money for it is so much more than I need. Rip me down to the core, and just give me breath and let me learn the Bible! May I never covet the riches of this world again!
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