I wonder how the team would react if they understood all of the battles going on around them. They are not physical battles; they are a clash of ideas. I think most are well intentioned. Individuals with different perspectives, agendas, and priorities are pushing to make her/his view dominant. At the moment, I do not think anyone is taking the lead. The overall direction the team is going is more of a mindless weave based on the idea that is best at the moment than the outcome of a intentional plan.
It would be easy to say my ideas trump all others. Candidly, there are very good ideas on the table that are not mine. The observations I keep coming back to include the following.
Having a plan helps others help you. There is something to react to. Others know where to engage you. Metaphorically it is something along the lines of helping to edit a script versus trying to write one from scratch. Not only is editing easier, motives either support or challenge and dialogue is more direct.
If in doubt, people want to be part of something that is happening. Confronting and educating is hard work. It is emotionally easier to join something on the move. One naturally wants to be part of something that is going somewhere. In stillness or purposeless directions, fear and uncertainty become contagious and often negative.
When a community has a shared view with openness to the diversity within, people from without find it easier to become part of the family. The community determines what it wants to be. Others can try to influence, direct, and control; the group will be what the group is.
I find myself thinking about David’s reactions to the battles around him. In his open moments, he could see. In this context he picked the One he knew would help; “You protect me with salvation-armor; you hold me up with a firm hand, caress me with your gentle ways.” (Psalm 18.35) I hope to stay on alert. Being aware is a step towards choice.
