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John Esposito from Glocalnetblog on Vimeo.

I’m really excited that John Esposito of Georgetown University in D.C. will be joining our Global Faith Forum November 11-14.  He has written best seller books like Who Speaks for Islam and more recently The Future of Islam.  He is the hands down global expert on Islam and it’s geopolitical place in the world - as well as how muslims and others relate to each other.  This is what his books are about, this is what he lectures about . . . . BUT . . . . do you know what he is most passionate about?  I do.  How do you know a persons passion?  You know it by what they talk about at the breaks, what naturally spills out when they are speaking, by what their eyes brighten about.  He is passionate about . . . . . . . his WIFE!!!! 

He really is!  I’ve been around him, that’s what he always talks about.  I’ve never met her - but I know her name.  Jean.  They have been married for 45 years.  I love my wife as well.  We sat in the airport at Istanbul and I began to ask him how they met, what their life was together, how they made it so long, and why he is so passionately in love today nearly 70 years of age.  Here are my observations . . . . and good lessons for all of us . . . .

1.  They work out together.  John is an avid runner and so is his wife.  He was a lazy slob in Istanbul and didn’t run - he also ate like a horse - but, it was because of traveling light so I’ll cut him some slack.  Intense exercise deals with the endorphins and keeps your mind fresh.

2.  They do fun stuff together.  They go on dates, travel, they’re regular party animals.

3.  They have a wide range of interest - they are always reading, learning, talking about stuff.

4.  They both have had careers - and though at times that could be challenging they would celebrate one anothers success and took turns helping each other. 

5.  They’re loyalty is primarily to one another more than anything or anyone or any other family backgrounds. 

6.  They’re both spiritual people.  Not sure how good a Catholic he is - he may be a great one just don’t know.  But I know we talk about prayer and deep meaning, etc.,  a fair amount. 

Prince Turqi would like to see a baptism when he comes to our church.  I think John would be a great candidate!!!!  Why would I write something like this?  Because I meet a lot of people around the world and life is just more than work.  If you have your life together your work is a joy filled with meaning, purpose, and direction.  If your work is your life - you’re missing out on the best part - people. 

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