American muscle cars of the sixties were made to go in a straight line. They were very good at it! Fat tires, lots of horsepower, and quick shifters all came together in a package that was very, very fast. However, if you tried to turn a corner at any speed; ah, a very different story! Even if you were to use every technique possible the cars did what they were created for, trying to go straight.
I am not so sure that I along with many other think we were designed to do things they way that we have always done them. The way isn’t necessarily the way anyone else did or does them, just our way. We have perfected our actions, behaviors, and responses so when things happen we can correct and get back on line. We are good at going as we have gone, metaphorically straight.
The attitude shows itself in different ways. I don’t like change that is not of my making. I rarely appreciate surprises. I do not respond well to being totally dependant on another. I am sure you have your own flavor of this approach. We like doing things as we did them yesterday. As good or bad as it is, at least we know we made it! The conclusion then is that yesterday’s approach is good enough for today. But is it?
In a new framework, when we talk about teamwork we mean truly trusting and relying on others unconditionally and in faith. Maybe, we will work on discovering gentle and nurturing ways to hold each other accountable. Possibly, we will look to discover ways of being absolutely and totally flexible while preserving a strong sense of who and what we are.
Along the way I want to avoid the mistakes of other before me. Some heard words recognizing the unfolding failure because “here I [Jesus] am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.” (John 5.40)
God, open my heart. Guide me in turning a corner today.
