When we have large gatherings at the church there is a ton of ice that is used. The past couple of special events have caused panic with the ice machine minders because it is thought to be broken during the heavy use. Water found under and around the ice machine causes widespread panic within those who like their beverages cold.
The thought is that where there is water on the floor there must be a leak. However 95% of the time, in the haste of slinging frozen relief to the masses there are cubes that drop onto the floor. Ice, when not kept frozen, has a tendency to change states and become water if left unattended. The thawed cubes make a puddle and the puddle leads to concern about the proper functioning of the machine.
I have learned an important lesson form the icebox incidents. We have to be able to discern the difference between an event and a trend. An event, like a few cubes falling to the ground, may cause temporary concern but can be over come or recognized as something that is passing. Events need to be acknowledged, but perhaps we don’t shut down or turn off the ice machine because of this event.
Trends however are lasting and continue even after the melted cubes are wiped from the floor. There is a leak in the system and evaluation and response is needed.
The ability to discern the difference between events and trends will save us from chasing ice cube puddles in order that we can better address any cracks that are causing leaky trends.
Some guiding questions may be:
How long has this been happening?
What variables have made this event/trend appear?
If it is a trend how may we ebb the leak? If an event how might we respond or plan differently for when it happens again.
