Cranky Wagoneers
Hello there. Many of you know I have a wood-paneled '91 Grand Wagoneer. I really love the thing. It always provokes smiles when I drive it. Today, I fired it up and ran to the IGA, waving at several friends along the way.
For me, the “Woody" is a classic bit of automotive history. I had wanted one for a long time and last year finally won this one at auction. It is weird, I know, but I feel lucky every time I drive it. In part it is nostalgia, but this time of year it is also just feeling lucky that it turns over and starts.
Like me, the Woody does not like the cold. It can be cantankerous, and a bit fickle. As I was driving today, I was thinking that perhaps I am more like this hulk of a vehicle than I would like to admit.
This week, I have been cantankerous. And, like my Wagoneer, while I might seem fine on the outside, in truth I was grumbling. Something was off. I would like to blame the cold, but it was a bit more than that.
I was reacting to what I perceived as the disrespect of a colleague. Someone who worked hard and deserved better. We have a lot of that kinda thing going around. I don't think it was intended, but things have piled up and I felt let down.
Sometimes when the Woody won't start it can be frustrating. It is usually only partially because the truck is 34 years old. Rather, it mostly struggles because I didn't give it what it needed. To get somewhere in the Wagoneer you have to plan ahead. You cannot be shortsighted.
This week, I have been a bit shortsighted. I definitely have not practiced what I preach. I was cantankerous and unpleasant. I am sorry about that.
I don’t regret trying to stand up for a valuable member of our community. I just should have done it differently.
So what is next? Well, what I thought about on my drive is to trust that everyone is trying to do what they think is in the best interest of all. I don't know all the answers, but good processes will lead to good results. And new voices can help. We just need to trust one another. I know there are some who perhaps have not earned that trust, but we can give them a second chance.
It’s what I have been advocating for when it comes to the zoning code. Listen to all voices. Seek common ground. Give people space and grace --- but also hold one another accountable. It is the best we can do, and it has produced a great result.
The Woody is a good reminder that processes matter. Ya gotta follow the steps. You turn the key halfway and let the fuel pump run a bit. Then you set the choke and turn the key and listen to hear it to "catch.” I feel like as a community we are on that same cusp.
We've given ourselves air, spark, and fuel and now we listen and hope good will "catches." Harbor Springs is a bit like my pretty old Grand Wagoneer. Classic and cantankerous and when running well...we can sure make people smile. Thanks for all you are doing for one another. See ya on the road!