In 1979 a large passenger jet with 257 people on board left New Zealand for a sightseeing flight to Antarctica and back. Unknown to the pilots, however, someone had modified the flight coordinates by a mere two degrees. This error placed the aircraft 28 miles (45 km) to the east of where the pilots assumed they were. As they approached Antarctica, the pilots descended to a lower altitude to give the passengers a better look at the landscape. Although both were experienced pilots, neither had made this particular flight before, and they had no way of knowing that the incorrect coordinates had placed them directly in the path of Mount Erebus, an active volcano that rises from the frozen landscape to a height of more than 12,000 feet (3,700 m).
As the pilots flew onward, the white of the snow and ice covering the volcano blended with the white of the clouds above, making it appear as though they were flying over flat ground. By the time the instruments sounded the warning that the ground was rising fast toward them, it was too late. The airplane crashed into the side of the volcano, killing everyone on board.
It was a terrible tragedy brought on by a minor error—a matter of only a few degrees.
Through years of serving the Lord and in countless interviews, I have learned that the difference between happiness and misery in individuals, in marriages, and families often comes down to an error of only a few degrees. ~ A Matter Of A Few Degrees by Dieter Uchtdorf
Let's look at some replacement words for degrees that are small in consideration, but make a huge difference in the way your life will turn out:
- Minutes- Taking just a few extra minutes to recognize and seize the opportunity. Taking just a few minutes extra to spend with your child will make a huge impact on how they view you as a parent. It could possibly make all the difference in their own life. Taking just a few minutes to do something special for your spouse every now and then will keep you together for many more anniversaries!
- Clicks- Change the channel, radio station, or website to a more inspiring, uplifting, clean, moral media that sustains good values and positive spirit in the home & workplace. Nothing can deteriorate morality & goodness in your environment than loud, obnoxious music, violent TV or filthy websites. So just click to the next channel for happiness.
- Lessons- Teach your children and yourself something new. Find a good magazine or book that has topics of interest for you or your family. Read short stories, articles, etc. that enhances good thoughts and mind provoking aspects of being a better person. There's nothing like a heart warming story to share with the ones you love :)
- Hugs- If you aren't hugging your spouse & kids every chance you get, then you are losing out on the greatest of rewards. Sharing your love and care with your family is above any other on your agenda. Let them know how much you love them and show it with a hug!
These are just a few degrees you can correct to stay on course and avoid tragedy and instead reap rewards of happiness and success!
