The tension was real. It was pressing against my senses. Every response was on edge. My mind was screaming that I should hit back. There were several weaknesses to choose from. Their process had failed. Important conversations had not happened. Key people did not know the details. This was the moment.
A quiet voice whispered, is this the only option?
A friend describes a choice with only two options as a dilemma. Life always has more than two. The question is one of being able to see. Was I willing to see more?
My senses demanded that I move in for the kill. The headaches and hassles of the past few weeks shared a similar source. This was might opportunity to do something about “it”! My choice was to engage or not. There were no other options.
As I looked at the situation, it was clear that the hassles were often out of my control. Yes, I was impacted. No, I did not cause them. If I looked from the Other perspective, I could see reasons and rationale.
A military commander had a problem. At the center of his headache was Paul. He could have convicted him or found him innocent. He knew the truth, yet was stuck in the dilemma. He turned to a third option. I can respond differently. I can act with compassion. In this spirit, he turned to his soldiers; “you’ll need a couple of mules for Paul and his gear. We’re going to present this man safe and sound to Governor Felix.” (Acts 23.24)
My ideal outcome to the tension was a partner willing to work with me. My rationale was simple; it takes a team to tackle the challenges we face. As I reflected on my why, alternatives began to appear. I inhaled slowly and resolutely, letting my breath go as incense drifting upwards to God.
“Do we agree that we want to deliver our best for the customer? Given the circumstances, what can I do to help make this a reality?”
Hope is always present, even as it hides.
