Series of Doors

July 10, 2003

Reunion

Tonight, I had the privelege of spending an evening with a friend of mine.

And it seems odd, because he was one of my teacher's in high school. After six years of no communication, we finally had the chance to meet at a coffee shop off of Hudson Road.

Alot can transpire in six years. He was my colleague, still very much Mr. Koontz, but now, George.

I guess the oddest thing was that it wasn't odd at all. I don't know if it was just the soothing atmosphere of the cafe, but we fell into conversation quickly.

But, I came to the almost sickening realization that, in this "reunion", I was meeting George for the first time. He wasn't an unreachable instructor presence from high school, he was a friend, a brother in Christ, someone I could confide in and be a confidant for.

After three hours of discussing goals and art and music and the Lord we parted ways again. We were both adults, growing in grace and having our faith increased in God and had that cushion of time to share it with one another.

Sentimental? absolutely. And why not. These are the times to band together, to build each other up, to share the Lord. His grace is new to us every morning, so let's find joy in telling our brothers and sisters about it. As I was discussing with George earlier, we are in strange and transitional times and unity is crucial.

Take advantage.

-Kammer

Posted by Kammer at July 10, 2003 11:38 PM

Comments

Good ol' GK. Who's not a friend of his?

He's visited us here in NYC, and insisted we call him George. Even though he's a friend (he was an usher in our wedding 2 years ago), we still couldn't call him that.

Too bad there's only one of him to go around.

Posted by: John Collins at July 11, 2003 09:19 PM

I agree with your sentiments, Kammer. Relationships are so vital yet so easy to take for granted. Some people move in and out of your life like tools move in and out of machines--they are quite obviously instruments in the hand of a master engineer. After spending some time with you, they walk away; meanwhile, you "come to" and realize that, in a very real sense, you have been walking with Christ. And you think to yourself--is there anyone on Earth who feels that way after they've been jawing with me?

I know this wasn't intended to become a GK PraiseFest, by the way, but I have to add that after hearing about him from so many Influenced People, I finally had the privilege of being introduced to him recently and was thrilled to make his acquaintance.

P.S. There's a coffee shop off of Hudson?

Posted by: joy at July 12, 2003 12:21 AM

I can not speak highly enough of George Koontz. Nothing more to say...

Posted by: Andrew at July 12, 2003 02:09 AM

It's neat to reflect upon the mentors that God puts in one's life to point him/her to Christ. George and Terri Koontz are those kind of people. They constantly look for ways to encourage others, and they really have no idea how no idea the intricate roles that they play in so many people's lives. The point was made at church this morning and again this evening that the Gospel gives us the freedom to serve with confidence and humility. George and Terri are seeking to live the Gospel on a daily basis and recognize the grace of God in the "little" things of life. I so love them: their relationship with each other, their kids, their surrogate parent hugs every time I see them... God is so awesome to ordain that we their "fan club" have the incredible privilege of calling them friends.

Posted by: amt at July 20, 2003 11:14 PM

george was my principal in elementary school in PA. he knew my father was unsaved then and was praying for him. when we got in touch again 8 years later at bju he immediatly asked how my dad was. i was near tears-what a rebuke it was to me. though you may be tired when you first start talking with the koontzes i think it's impossible to leave their company without feeling rejuvinated. they are some of my favorite people.

Posted by: cynthianicole at August 18, 2003 04:43 PM