Pilgrimage Ponderings
Reactive or Responsive?
I am fasinated by family systems theory, as it applies to my own family and as it applies to congregational systems. In Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times, Peter Steinke has this to say:
"People vary considerably in how they address emotionally challenging events. On the lower (immature) side, people are reactive. They blame more often; they criticize harshly; they take offense easily; they focus on others; they want instant solutions; they cannot see the part they play in problems. On the higher (mature) side, people are more thoughtful and reflective; they act on principle, not instinct; they can stand back and observe. They are responsive. Intent and choice characterize their behavior."
What a helpful perspective for evaluating where I am emotionally in a given situation! My goal is to be responsive rather than reactive. The challenge is to be responsive when other folks involved are reactive. This quote comes from page 1 of the book. I look forward to "the rest of the story."
