Soul connection and begging for money

I just got back from a weekend trip to Orange City, Iowa, with Sara and Amanda. I had no idea how much I needed this weekend until I experienced it.

Every night we hung out at a coffee shop that the Northwestern students hang out in. I experienced community unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It didn't matter who we were, where we were from, or what type of people we were...we were all genuinely welcomed and accepted. I've never experienced an entire group of people that listened so intently and loved so freely and unconditionally. (I've met individuals like that but had never experienced a community like that.)

Even though we were only around for a few days, we connected deeply. I even had a dream that one of the guys there was my long-lost brother. Through simple things like their words, their hands, and their eyes, they communicated this sincere love and desire to know one another. Through this brilliant yet ragtag group of people, I hung out with Jesus. That had to have been what it felt like for the people who hung out with Him back in the day.

No wonder Jesus tells us to love each other so deeply. It was the most amazing gift I ever could have asked to receive. Human relationships continue to amaze me more and more every day.

And it shows me the kind of person I want to be. I want to give that freely, listen that intently, and love that gently.

Oh yes...another cool thing about the weekend - the three of us and Sara's friend, Tony, drove down to Omaha on Saturday. We spent our time walking around the art district, checking out shops and enjoying the day. We walked on cobblestone streets! The best part about Omaha, though, was when we all sat down in front of an abandoned building, Sara and I took turns playing guitar, and we all sang. Lots of people smiled as they walked by (including a police officer!), a couple stopped by to talk, and a few people even gave us money. It was such a neat experience.

I wan't expecting to leave my heart in Omaha, but it's a place I'm definitely going back to. I'd love to live there someday.

Again, what an amazing weekend.

Now I'm off to love and give and live in the moment.