For those who could not attend, what follows is the Scoutmaster Minute for 13 October 2020:
Baggage. We all carry baggage. Those that we interact with carry baggage. I am not talking about backpacks, daypacks, or luggage – I am talking about the strain of living. Each of us carries a unique set of perspectives based on the challenges life has thrown our way. This baggage is not equal in weight. Some of us carry more baggage. Sometimes we feel comfortable with sharing our baggage with others, and we find that our friends are happy to help us carry the load. Sometimes we do not want to burden others with our baggage, as we do not want to reopen emotional scars. Either way, it is OK. Just because we do not share baggage today does not mean that we cannot share it later. Likewise, we may have baggage that we just want to keep between our Maker and ourselves. Having baggage is OK – it makes us who we are.
Baggage can affect our behavior, our attitude, even the way we look. It is important for us to recognize that each of us is carrying a different load. It is OK to ask, in a nice way, "what's wrong?" It is OK if the other person does not want to share; we can lend understanding regardless. Be there for one another – note that belonging is smack in the middle of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the fact that you are here means that you belong and are part of something bigger than yourself. Lean on one another – the purpose of community is to prosper together rather than fail or struggle alone.
A Scout is Friendly. A Scout is Kind.