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Clean Up
On a daily basis, trains are typically swept and wiped down to remove litter and debris. On the exterior, they may go through a high-pressure wash to remove dirt and grime, the windshield wiper fluid and sand (for traction) are replenished as needed, and finally, the train is positioned for its next run. For deeper…
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Consistency Brings Stability
Consistency brings stability… and joy… if you let it. While a train job can be rewarding, some find the long periods of driving, the potential for monotony, and the responsibility of ensuring safety to be the most challenging and potentially boring aspect. I kind of see that in the monotony of everyday living. We seem…
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It Changes You
It has been just over a year since I first started writing posts for Tracks of Life, but in my mind the posts have progressed through many years of growth. Meaning that with every post, I hope you are growing in your Christian life, as a child would as they learn and mature in age. …
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Weather Report Windy
Last night, I had the opportunity to experience strong crosswinds for the first time as I tried to sleep in our travel van on the plains of South Dakota. At times, it felt as if the van would tip over or be picked up by the wind and carried to another state. Luckily, I am…
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When in the Valley
Being in the Valleys of life is often very different from the valleys when riding a train. When I visualize coming into an open area between the mountains, I see beautiful green forests surrounding a lake of pure blue waves. But when we come to a valley in our lives, oftentimes beauty is the last…
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Training
Let’s talk about training for a moment. When someone wants to work for a railroad, there is on average 14 weeks of classroom instruction, 12 months on-the-job training, hands-on application (which determining on job can take weeks or months) and exams to assess understanding. This is all before they are allowed to accept a job…
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Human Error
A “human error train accident” refers to a train crash caused by a mistake made by a train operator, such as a conductor or engineer, which could include failing to follow safety protocols, distractions, fatigue, impaired judgment, inadequate training or misinterpreting signals, leading to a collision or derailment; essentially, human error is considered one of…
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Rot in out Lives
So, the topic that I am discussing today is very personal and probably not one everyone wants to discuss. I am talking about an addiction that really causes a lot of rot in one’s life. It creates a barrier between you and God, and between you and any other relationship. Yes, it is the topic…
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A Good Host
“Welcome aboard. Can I help you find your seat or offer a beverage before we depart?” “Yes, we will be departing on time today. Is there anything that I can help you will or get you?” “Here or the dinner options today. I do want to remind you that the dinner car closes late tonight,…
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Unique and Beautiful
Years have now passed and you have added and removed multiple cars from your train. You have been through many different learning opportunities, lessons, and hardships. But nothing could have completely prepared you for the change that your train was about to endure. You all of a sudden have twice as many cars to deal…