What A Wonderful World

Today Titus turns 20, officially clocking us out of the teenage years. Watching time move forward while standing in another part of the world has a way of sharpening perspective. As we depart Turkey on the dawn of Turkey Day, we pause in gratitude for the lessons this journey has quietly been offering us.

Our final days in Turkey brought us to Istanbul and into our first mosques, where we learned more about Islam. We were surprised by how many similarities we share. A belief in the virgin birth, reverence for Jesus, and respect for his teachings. The difference, we read, is that they believe Jesus had a stand in on the cross. That it was not actually him who was crucified, which is why he appeared later. A plot twist we did not expect.

It was a different world watching the men take part in a washing ritual before entering the mosque. I wanted to share about atonement but language barriers kept those reflections unspoken. Perhaps that was part of the lesson too. To observe, to listen, and to hold space for a worldview different from my own.

While we did not participate in the cleansing ritual, we did experience a three hour Turkish bath filled with bubbles, mud, and an incredible couples massage. A reminder that renewal can take many forms.

During this season of thanks, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience the world in this way. Our hearts have grown with an expanded appreciation and affection for the diversity and beauty of this planet. It truly is a wonderful world.Read more