Transparency, Two-way

I watched the seniors of Whitney’s class put on a program last night as part of their school’s traditional graduation weekend.  As interesting as the show was, the fun part was the first piece in the show.  In this each senior came through the scene’s entrance, dress in the statement of their choice, and walked the runway.  Cheers, adulations, and flashbulbs were the norm!  From baseball to fashion, statements in leather to music parodies, and from the shy to the extroverts, everything was out on display!  It was far more revealing than any kid possibly could imagine.
 
In the context of the evening, it was a lot of fun.  People laughed and cheered.  Some surprised while others affirmed.  I do not remember any that were ultimately embarrassing.  I did find myself wondering if the adults in the audience were willing to honestly, and positively talk in context of the statements at hand.
 
Can we accept others, especially our children, making value choices that are not consistent with our own?
 
Will we accept others in the context of the lifestyle choices, no matter how uncomfortable we might find them to be?
 
Should we deal with the past or respond in the present?
 
I know there are those that want to deal with what led up to this moment in time.  I can hear them talking.  “I know you're a bunch of hardheads, obstinate and flint-faced, so I got a running start and began telling you what was going on before it even happened.”  (Isaiah 48.4, 5)  Yet, I also wonder if I have earned the right to have this conversation.
 
Ironically, transparency is two-way.  If you are transparent with me, I must, will be transparent with you.  The question I faced last night was my response.  Will unconditional acceptance, mercy, and compassion rule?  Do I seek community?  Will I be a positive, nurturing force?
 
The true answer will only come with my actions.  Today, in this moment, I can tell the story.  In time, the full story can unfold.  Now is the time for unconditional love.