03-11-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 11, 2026
A night of interfaith conversation, learning, and joy. The Dialogue Institute of Houston shared an Iftar Dinner in the Activity Room of the church last night, including background on the holy month of Ramadan. There was music, art, good food, but more than anything, I heard laughter. There are moments in life when you have to wonder if just a little more laughter over a delicious dinner might solve some of our more pressing problems. I was sad to learn that other Christian communities had been approached to host before Cypress Creek Christian Church was asked, but they all declined. I applaud our church and the willingness of people to say, “Sure! Sounds like fun.” Differences can be threatening until you’re sharing homemade baklava after a really good meal. Sadly, I was not able to eat it, but there were plenty of people who felt it necessary to share how good it was and how sorry they were I could not eat it. With all seriousness, I give thanks to God for the beautiful diversity of humanity and the equally beautiful commonalities that cause us to pause and to say, “This person is my sibling and partner in pursuit of a better and more peaceful world.”

Give me time to pause and appreciate this marvelous world in which I live, including those who may not run in my usual circles. Thank you, Lord of Heaven and Earth, for all the ways you are helping to expand the circle in which I live. Amen.