Brotherhood vs Benevolence via Relationships

Memorial day was a special memory for the Prillaman clan today. With my mom and dad here, and in response to a great children's service last week, Josh decided to make his public profession of faith. It was a good day.. to quote Fernando Ortega, "this good day, it is a gift from you. The world is turning in its place because you made it too. I lift my voice to sing a song of praise, for this good day. "

In class today, we continued the saga of Esther, focusing on the people in the story and their relationships and choices. We recognized that there are different levels, expectations, filters and even capacities for different relationships in both their lives and ours. I shared my vision for our class as a true "life community" that lives as an active part of each others' lives while at the same time recognizing the development cycle which we have to continually traverse. Group dynamics are indeed an interesting and constantly evolving reality for a family/community like ours.

Read more on Form, Storm, Norm, and Perform here: http://changingminds.org/explanations/groups/form_storm_norm_perform.htm

Here is another interesting point on this.. might surprise you. http://judesmith.blogspot.com/2007/09/form-storm-norm-perform.html

As we mature and constantly navigate this cycle I want to encourage each of you to think about not only what you can/will do but also what you expect. An honest discussion is key to our continued growth.

Stuff we talked about today:

• Who are the people in our lives. Don't forget our adversaries, enemies in addition to teachers, friends, colleagues, etc..
• What is the definition of a BFF and how do you make one?
• House and Wilson and whether they are really friends.
• Risk and Reward concepts abound in relationships. To mature and grow we need trust. Trust is developed through shared experiences both positive and negative.
• Esther and the King.. using position, power, and savvy negotiating to get good results.
• Helping one another as brothers not benevolence.
• Anyone interested in helping "tactically" with the Ackerman's needs, should work through me. I am and will be coordinating a property assessment and plan of action.
• Other people in the class need to also queue up requests for help for our "life community to help with", from carpentry, to childcare, to coaching, and beyond. (This should come to Jeff as well for coordination)
• Boundaries and the danger of communications context in generating good will vs ill will.
• Being careful not to manipulate the sympathies of others just as Esther did with King Ahasuerus.
• There ARE consequences for good choices and poor choices. Adults should be constantly vigilant.
• Reality that many people just want a list of things that they can do to make a difference "locally". This is okay. By starting and working through conflicts and challenges together, openly, and honestly, we will all grow and we can "be one in Christ"
• Open Door is not in the business of benevolence. I EXPECT us to be in the business of brotherhood. My vision for this class is for us to constantly grow as Christians, while we study, change and deal with the conflict that is LIFE.

To quote my mom, we are all blessed but the blessings are not for our benefit alone. They are gifts from God to be shared with our world... one relationship at a time.

Love you all.. Have a great day.
jeff