(I write this from a chaplains perspective and from research i have done both by observation and by personal study)
THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the rider was lost. For want of a rider, the battle was lost. For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost, And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.” This little poem often attributed to Benjamin Franklin gives to us in the Fire Service the truth of how we are only as strong as our weakest link. I am reminded of this truth once again that the little things in our daily life and discipline can change the outcome of our Fireground operation, our personal relationships as well as the overall health and safety of our Fire Department. Its highly unlikely that anybody would ever consider that such a small thing as an unshod horse would eventually lead to a tragic defeat in the heat of battle, however, when catastrophe happens we look back and many time discover that it was a small detail that was overlooked and the truth of this ancient proverb comes to life. Consider for a moment from your training the importance of;
Or consider personal considerations like,
Consider this: On the bloodiest day in American history—September 17, 1862—the Civil War Battle of Sharpsburg resulted in nearly 23,000 casualties. After crossing the Potomac River into Maryland on September 9, 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee divided the 45,000-man Army of Northern Virginia and spelled out the location for each group on written dispatches for delivery to various commanders. These dispatches were delivered by couriers on horseback to the commanders except for one that was accidentally dropped from the courier’s pocket when he stopped along the way to relieve himself. Unfortunately for General Lee, this dispatch was found by a Union soldier just a few days later in an envelope wrapped around three cigars near a fence. This misplaced secret dispatch reached Union Army Commander George B. McClellan, giving him and his 90,000-man army the exact locations of their enemy, leading to a strategic Union victory... for the want of a rider..., for the want of a message. It is important to prioritize in our thinning the importance of the little things. It is highly unlikely that anyone would have warned that cigars in a message envelope would have led to foiled military plans and to the loss of a Civil War battle, or that a fog nozzle with broken or missing teeth could render it insufficient or inoperable in fire conditions. There are many big issues we face in the Fire Service in 2021. A continued pandemic, political upheaval and uncertainty, economic unsettledness that threatens the funding of our department, but as you can see its still the “little things” that are within our control that can and will make a big difference in the success of our department and for the safety of our firefighters and our community in 2021. As your chaplain, i am personally available for you throughout this year, Whether its at a fire scene handing you a bottle of water, or lifting up a prayer for you throughout your work week, a quick cup of coffee before or after a busy day, marching in a parade, or praying at a Department function, please know that i will make it my goal to make the little things my highest priority in 2021. Chap Comments are closed.
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AuthorJim has served as the Pastor at Hope Christian Church since 2005 . He is the Chaplain for the North Haven Ct Fire Department for the past 10 years. He is an Ordained minister as well as being an endorsed Chaplain with the Assemblies of God Archives
September 2022
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