More Thoughts on Unity

Last week I heard about a charitable foundation which had been transferred to the second generation - the grandfather had started the foundation, and now the father was in charge. Recently there was a request for a sizable donation from an organization the foundation had never given to before, and the father called his children before he said yes. He believed it was a good cause and wanted to give, and he had the perfect right to do so unilaterally, but he wanted unity in the decision. It was easy, because the children all agreed right away, but I found it interesting that he asked.

Another example of seeking unity that came to my mind was "John" and "Bill" (not their real names), business partners that I know. They have been working together for over 40 years, and John likes to brag, "We've never had to vote the stock," by which he means they have always come to agreement over the major decisions they've had to make. Each of these men jokes about the times when the other exercised veto power over an idea - Bill says, "John said it could be anywhere in the US as long as it was within 30 miles of home." Or John says, "I just do whatever Bill says." No doubt they have made a poor decision or two, or missed out on a great opportunity or two, because of that policy, but I have no doubt that in the long run, their business is much stronger. Not to mention the awesome example of partnership they present, to the point that the next generation believes working together is not only possible, but preferable, for many years to come. John and Bill have run their business more like a marriage, or a church, than the typical American business. Unfortunately, of course, most American marriages and churches are run more like businesses - "my way or the highway."

We expect that once Michelle is married, she will seek and find unity with her husband no matter what she has to give up, including family, country or all her dreams and goals. None of us knows the future. All the more reason to pursue and insist on unity on that most major of all decisions - who to marry.