As sights along the river changed, so did the weather, and much too quickly, dark, ominous clouds came rolling in.
Sliding our canoes into the river, we laughed and commended ourselves for integrating shared experiences into the fabric of our typically structured Growth Group curriculum. The sunny summer day provided a picture-perfect background to our adventurous outing. Soon, though, our opportunity for growth in group dynamics would shove its way into the fiber of our relationships.
Join me on the riverbank where we put in our canoes.
Less experienced canoers paired themselves with those possessing more confidence and expertise, and two-by-two we paddled our way down the scenic, peaceful Little Miami River. The entire waterway belonged to us. Dip, swing. Dip, swing. Dip, swing. Sunlight sparkled off the water, and laughter connected the crafts. No one seemed surprised when the friend manning a kayak shot out in front. As a pacesetter in all aspects of life, her position seemed fitting.
Regarding the rest, one pair, stuck at a fallen tree, later dragged bottom in a shallow spot. Still another twosome shot through rapids with more speed than expected. And, periodically, heads turned to confirm the safety of the duo lagging behind.
But that is not all.
As sights along the river changed, so did the weather, and much too quickly, dark, ominous clouds came rolling in. The menacing claps of thunder overhead shook like kettle drums in a concert hall. And of course, the companion to thunder is lightning. Right?
With the different weather conditions came different opinions on what course of action we should take. Ideas and suggestions filled the heavy humid air. Hmmm…
At the first sandbar, our troupe paddled to shore, dragged the canoes—the aluminum canoes—to the bank, and launched into a decision-making discussion:
Should we take our chances and keep going?
Should we wait out the storm on the bank?
Should we phone for the canoe company to come a get us?
The brainstorming added its own electricity to the environment.
With my agrarian background—whether on a golf course, in a rice field, or on a riverbank—the weather demands respect. My family knows firsthand what it feels like to lose a friend struck by lightning. So for me, the matter seemed abundantly clear.
We should stay out of the water, out of the aluminum canoes, and wait for the turbulent weather to move through, regardless of how long that would take.
However, others in the group felt differently. One person deemed our situation completely safe; lightning never posed a threat in her past. A different individual urged us to press on, regardless; time-sensitive commitments pressed in on her schedule. Another, the information gatherer, made futile attempts to get radar updates on her cell phone. Surely our answer could be found in reliable data! And then, the group’s peace-loving member verbalized a complete willingness to yield to the majority decision, whatever that decision might be.
The drama intensified with each clap of thunder.
Here we were, a group of adventurous, well-trained, God-loving, strong, opinionated women, marooned on the side of a river, hovering under a cloud of inclement weather, expressing polar opposite opinions on how to resolve the dilemma facing us. None of us signed up for a course in group dynamics when we checked in and got our life jackets at the canoe rental. But here we were, students, lo’ even classmates, in the reality of life.
Looking back, one asks, “What did our riverside classroom reveal?”
Each of us brings our life experiences into the dynamics of a group.
These life experiences definitely affect our decision-making grid.
Differences can actually strengthen and equip us in making strategic decisions.
How did this work out?
The ability to move forward with a wise decision came from the mutual respect we valued toward each other. Rather than give way to emotion, tension, and the exertion of self-will, we listened calmly to all perspectives, prayerfully formulated a conclusion, and agreed to move forward collectively, not individually. In the end, based on the radar provided by The Weather Chanel, we eventually climbed back into our canoes, merged into the current, and headed downstream.
Though tentative, I eventually relaxed. But rest assured, a welcomed relief flooded my being when our party rounded the last bend and stowed the paddles.
Yes, even today, our Growth Group shares a knowing chuckle when we hear a rumble of thunder.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
What dynamics do you bring to a group when making a challenging decision? When have the differences in perspective led to a sounder, wiser perspective?
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
