Koinonia

It's Labor Day and Ryan is off. Both he and W are napping and the house is quiet for the moment. So, I have some time to blog.

**Warning-Deep Thoughts Ahead**

Last Sunday Night at church, the chaplain's sermon really stuck with me. He talked about the word Koinonia. Up until last Sunday, if you had said that word to me, I would have thought of the adult Sunday School class at my childhood church that bears that name. My parents were in the class for awhile, and many of my good friend's parents still are. A wonderful group of folks (who, by the way, put out an excellent cookbook that is one of my favs!). However, the Koinonia he was referring to was the true meaning of the word-intimate fellowship. He used it to teach us about how we as Christians on this base should treat each other, even though we hail form many different denominations.

But as God so often does, I learned a different lesson than the one the chaplain intended. You see, last weekend was our marathon weekend out and about in Turkey. I was fresh off the cultural overload of our adventure. As an American, I think I(not purposely) thought I was "better" than much of what I saw off base. Where I had come from was nicer and cleaner and well, better than this place. Horrible thought I know, but I am being honest.

During the sermon I realized that even though there aren't as many as in the States, there are Christians here in Turkey. Christians who are my brothers and sisters-and one day-my eternal neighbors in heaven. They might not look or dress or speak or eat like I do. They might not understand my love for football or ever have heard of my favorite stores at the mall. But God calls me to love them anyway. And not as an act of pity or goodwill, but as an equal.

You see, as silly as it may sound, my view of God was skewed. I viewed Him as an American-which, I guess, was only natural given that is where I have spent all of my time. When, if you actually look in the Bible, God's "Chosen People" (Israel) are actually a lot closer in appearance and in culture to Turkey than America.

What I am learning is that my view of God is growing. He is bigger than any country, culture, or language. He is above it all. There is no offical language of heaven, no one country's flag flys at the pearly gates. What will make heaven so, well-heavenly, is that it's residents will be a jumbled group of tribes, tongues, and skin colors all enjoying perfect, intimate community. Koinonia.