Brothers

I have watched brothers come to a precipice of separation. Locking horns, muscles flexed, a cloud of dust surrounds them as each attempts to dominate the other, like bulls competing for the prize. Verbal blows have been delivered, landing hard in the soft, vulnerable places unique to each one. It's hard to say whether or not they will let the fault expand between them. It's tempting. Justifiable even. Each one is holding to the truth as they believe it to be. But at what cost?

What is most important? Holding or releasing?

We grip tightly to the things that comfort us; things to which we are emotionally attached; things that give us a sense of belonging, a sense of stability, a validation of love and devotion. What we don't see, is the very things that we hold to are the things that hold us back. If we are not willing to release our grip, we can venture no further in love. Something will always come between us.

A Father bestows a gift. Each son interprets the gesture from their perspective of relationship with the Father. The Father's generosity becomes a catalyst of confrontation. Only one can hold the gift. Only one can have physical possession. The gift cannot be divided among the brothers. Technically, it was only given to one. The gift forces a confrontation between the brothers.

So what do the brothers do? Grasp tighter? Demand? Force? Obtain? Keep? Let resentment continue to build? Or is the only hope for love to be found in the release?

What has more value than love?

Release is the only answer. There is no other. Love is released in yielding. Yielding is a hard lesson to learn. Loosening the hold on the gift is the highest form of respect the brothers can show toward each other. It is also the means by which they honor their Father.