FEBA Forever!

Indianapolis is a beautiful city—at least downtown. New football stadium, upscale dining, elevated mall in all the buildings connected by skyway bridges between the buildings, and three microbreweries within 2 blocks of my hotel (“Alcatraz” and “Ram” are on the same block). Yes, I’ve been to all three microbreweries. It’s also the state capitol, so there’s a slow steady stream of black Lincoln Towncars with tinted windows…I wonder who is coming and going from the statehouse?

 

The conference (American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: AACVPR) has been productive. I’ve been networking to meet new people, reconnecting with people I’ve known for years, and sitting through numerous scientific presentations and an awards banquet. There was an industry-sponsored reception with amazing food (“filet sliders…like little hamburgers but with filet mignon!”) and top shelf liquor (I had to have some Petron).

 

All this epitomizes the kosmos. Bright lights, big city, friendly faces (all the restaurants have a window sticker announcing “Indianapolis welcomes AACVPR!”), great food/drink, clean city (not too many homeless bums begging food), and lavish accommodations are everywhere. I’m staying at the Canterbury Hotel, which costs the same as a big brand-name hotel, but which is really old and cool (on the national historic register). Also has free wi-fi and valet parking. Even the weather cooperated, with mid-70’s temperatures, constant sun, and no need for even a light coat.

 

The kosmos whispers “everything is fine…don’t worry…you’re having a good time…” It is very subtle at times, and in-your-face in other contexts. This is not Vegas, it’s not a sin-city. It’s the heartland of America, smiling and winking at you to remind you that it’s all going to be OK. Meanwhile CNN is freaking out over the stock market and enormous government bailout of our financial institutions.

 

This time around, I’m strangely disinterested in the conference itself. This week I missed CrossRoads Project, a C&C hosted by my home church, and CT. I miss my kids. I miss my wife. I am acutely aware of the enormous value of the body of Christ after the “Multi-site exposed” conference, and it sucks to be gone.

 

Would I do it again? Well, yes. Everyone works, sometimes you travel. To use an agricultural metaphore, my wheat has to grow just as high as every other farmer’s. But I don’t have to like it, and I don’t have to listen. The kosmos is a cruel master. Although it claims to have everything systematized and programmed to run smoothly and provide a fun and safe alternative to the dangerous adventure of Jesus’ new and living way, it is more like slowly setting cement underfoot. When you look down to realize that you’re trapped in the solid cement, suddenly they’re breaking the sidewalk up into blocks and throwing you into the sea to sink with all the other victims of “the system.”

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