"At first, Beethoven demurred...But after thinking it over, he agreed to compose a special set of variations all his own. And four years later, in May 1823, Beethoven delivered 33 spectacular variants on the original waltz theme."
Isacoff goes on to say that Beethoven "...had taken no shortcuts. In the words of pianist Alfred Brendel, the composer began with Diabelli’s prosaic dance tune and 'improved, parodied, ridiculed, disclaimed, transfigured, mourned, stamped out and finally uplifted' it—in effect, turning it into a series of dramatic character pieces. The finished work proved to be one of his most fertile compositions, and among the 19th century’s most stunning virtuosic showpieces. Composer Arnold Schoenberg declared it Beethoven’s 'most adventurous work.'”
We might have a favorite variation, or be moved by different variations at different points of our life, but it wouldn't make much sense to ask which variation is "right." Part of the magnificence of this "most fertile composition" is its very variety. Reflecting further, it is interesting to note that the nature of the variations denies us the ability to seek out a true original. The first composition was put forth by its composer not to be locked away but precisely to be enlivened by innovation and interpretation. Diabelli himself celebrated "all these variations, through the novelty of their ideas, care in working-out, and beauty in the most artful of their transitions."
Could Friends (or even possibly others) benefit from such an approach in our interactions with those from different branches? That sounds like uplifting and adventurous work.