Homeostasis

Homeostasis is one of those words you can use in a variety of settings. When used in a medical context it basically means metabolic equilibrium. A good thing, right? When used in the context of systems theory (family or organizational) it means maintaining the status quo. Maybe not such a good thing...

If you're in an unhealthy system - relating in negative or harmful ways with those you're in relationship with, homeostasis should be the last thing you desire. Unfortunately, it often happens that folks get caught up in maintaining the patterns of relationship they've experienced over and over with the same people or different ones. Patterns like these effect relationships in families, churches, businesses, etc.

Sometimes we get used to viewing someone in a particular light, and are unable or unwilling to let our opinions change. I recently read a review of Kevin Max's new CD The Blood. It was not flattering. I read the review after purchasing the CD and deciding that I like it. The reviewer did not, claiming that KM was (as usual) trying to innovate, and in this case failed. The truth is I have not heard the other versions of the songs that the reviewer talked about. Maybe he's right, and I only like the music because I haven't heard the other.

One thing I like about The Blood is that it seems to me that it's a departure from Max's usual fare. Like his other work it definitely has Max's unique sound, but (to me) it lacks the self consciousness that flawed his other albums. This album is about the blood of Jesus. K Max doesn't sound like a troubled man or a lost soul on this album like he does on the others.

Could it be that the reviewer (whose name I did not take note of) doesn't want to see Kevin Max in a new light? I admit that it's hard to like someone who's taking themselves too seriously, and KM has taken himself way too seriously in the past. I don't know whether or not The Blood's tone is indicative of a change for him or not, but I like to think that it is. If so, shouldn't Max be given the benefit of the doubt? A charitable hearing?

I've been involved in addressing performance issues with the choir director of our church. She is a very sweet lady who has had some health issues that have probably effected her performance. I think that before she had to deal with the pain associated with her back problems, she was astute enough to cover up some of the deficiencies of her work ethic.

The work issues she must address are very objective, and very fixable. One of the three choirs at church raised the issues. I wonder if they can accept her back into their good graces even if she fixes her performance issues. Hopefully she will not continue to bear the brunt of their criticism and dissatisfaction if she improves.

While I hope that I'm able to enjoy the healthful (medical) type of homeostasis, I want to avoid the rut living of the status quo. I strive to keep my relationships healthy. I strive to grow as a person. May God grant me the grace to understand, acknowledge, and celebrate the fact that those around me are growing too.