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November 18th.
2009
POSITIONAL OR RELATIONAL?
That which I value most in life is relationships. My
family, my friends, people I am blessed to share life’s journey with are
what hold the greatest value for me.
As I began the time of mutual discernment with the Diocese of Minnesota
close friends in a humorous tone often challenged me, “You better not
change!” This was often followed with a story about a clergy or even a
friend who received a “promotion” and either no longer associated with
them or lost their sense of playfulness.
The challenge that I have witnessed with individuals who have made these
life transitions is they are not certain how their “professional” change
changes them personally. If, for example, Suzy becomes the CEO or
elected to some office, does that in fact change who she is at her core?
Well… it does if Suzy now begins to identify herself from a positional
perspective rather than from a relational one. Are we who we are because
of what we do or what we once did? Or are we who we are because of those
we share the journey with?
Think about how Jesus lives and moves and has his being. Do we ever hear
Jesus say, “Because I am Jesus you must do this.” Or even, “You will
respect or follow me because I am the Son of God.” On the contrary. Time
and time again we see Jesus stepping outside the positional parameters
(that others are attempting to impose) to be in relationship with all
those around him.
In the end, I believe how we live our lives, how we treat both friend
and stranger, how we relate, either positionally or relationally, is our
opportunity to be as Christ to others.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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