Month: May 2024

Angle of Departure

An important factor for firefighters is something called the angle of departure. It is the angle between the ground and a line running from the rear tire of the fire truck to the lowest-hanging point directly behind it, which is usually the rear tailboard of the fire truck. It identifies how steep an incline the apparatus can clear when departing from that angle. It typically should be at least 8 degrees.

The rear tailboard of a fire truck.

When you start each day what is your angle of departure. It can mean the difference between friction and a fruitful day. How you start each day affects both your relationship and life in general. Some of the factors affecting your departure into the day include:

  • Physical: rest, exercise, diet
  • Emotional: self care, thankful attitude, awareness of feelings, building healthy relationships
  • Mental: plan but stay flexible, practice personal accountability, reflect on your core values often, get comfortable being uncomfortable to grow

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, adults sleeping less than 7 hours a night is tied to bad health outcomes.

QUESTIONS

Q: What is one thing you can do each day this week to improve your angle of departure each day?

Q: What area do you struggle the most with? (physical, mental, or emotional)

CALL TO ACTION

Based on your biggest struggle do ONE THING each day this week to improve your angle of departure in your relationship and life.

Go Fan That Fire!

Don’t Do Anything. . . Not Usually a Good Approach

So in retirement, I am helping coach my granddaughters in little league girls softball. It is never dull and pretty demanding mentally at times. It takes a good bit of patience too. The girls try hard most of the time and it is rewarding to see them learn, grow, have fun and get better at the game.

There are two things that happen almost every game. One of the girls will field the ball and with so many people screaming what to do sometimes they just freeze and stand with the ball. The other thing that happens is a runner on base has to run because there is a runner or runners on the other base(s). The ball is hit into the base path they must run so they just stand on the base thinking if they run they will get out.

In both cases the outcome is not good because doing nothing is not a good decision in softball….the other team will take advantage of indecision. In marriage, not doing something when your spouse is hurting,or upset gives turmoil and trouble a foothold in your relationship. James 3:15 describes wisdom from heaven as pure and peace loving. Unattended conflict and frustration will not spontaneously turn into peace. If you want to strengthen your relationship you have to take action NOW.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

QUESTIONS

Q: When was the last time you knew there was an issue in your relationship? What did you do and what can you learn from it?

Q: When you are upset or hurt, do you just want someone to listen (not solve the problem)? Actively listening can be helpful to anyone who is struggling.

CALL TO ACTION

Use the fruit of the Spirit as a guide to measure your actions or inaction, ask yourself; Do my actions reflect ____________?

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

Source: Galatians 5:22

Go Fan That Fire!