With sparring having an accepted role in business, there is little point of complaining. From wrestling in the sandbox, through temper tantrums, and even taking one’s bat and going home, there are examples of each in the course of working and living in the business world. You and I may want to be in a different place. However, the metaphorical bruises we carry with us tell us that it is brutally real.
A recent battle started in the wee hours of the morning. I just happened to be up. As I look back, I do not understand why I did what I did. I checked my work mail. A sharply worded email pushed a button I thought I had released. With a very short time, the email exchange was flying! I doubt anyone else was awake. Even if they were, I doubt they cared.
At the end of the exchange, I took a deep breath and whinged (definition: complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way). I did not do it publically. I commented to one person in authority above both of us. As I did, I realized that I felt better! Later, as we debriefed on my note, I found myself seeing the exchange in perspective. I now have a choice on what happens next. One is constructive, the other, destructive. It was a choice that I struggled to see earlier.
Later, as I reflected on my day, I realized that David often whinged in prayer. His words were an intense whine as much as a request; “Don’t let the bullies kick me around, the moral midgets slap me down.” (Psalm 36.11) In the past I was always puzzled as to why. Today I get it, a proper whinge opened me up to letting go and seeing the choices ahead.
There are enough platitudes in my dialogue with God. Candid exchanges, filled with a whinge or two has, at times, been missing. I can leave it that way or open myself up to the range of possibilities that come with candor. It’s a choice.
