Scoutmaster Minute -- 21 March 2023

Many of you have heard me remark that one of the hardest things I do each week is write a Scoutmaster's Minute.  It is sometimes hard to find a timely topic, idea or inspirational life story to share that will potentially have an impact on you.  When times were tough and I had writer's block, I could always rely on Dave Causey.  I served with Chaplain David Causey at Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Washington State.  A humble man, he did what all great chaplains do -- minister to Soldiers regardless of faith, provide counsel to families, and to serve as the commander's extended consciousness.  Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after 31 years, Dave continued to minister to an extended flock through near-daily inspirational emails.  Some of you may remember me crediting Chaplain David Causey with a story as I gave one or more Scoutmaster Minutes.  I could always rely on his inspirationals as a source for good stories to share with you, and I would write him back thanking him for source material.  Yet, one day the emails stopped.  Last week as I was penning my Scoutmaster Minute, I wondered why I had not seen any recent notes from Dave in my inbox.  An Internet search quickly answered my question, as an obituary announced that Dave had passed away in October at the young age of 66.

David led a great life worthy of emulation.  What can we learn from David's example?  Do not have transactional friendships -- be a friend for life.  Seek to inspire and spread hope.  Uplift others, regardless of whether their beliefs are the same as yours.  Keep in touch; sometimes a few words of encouragement can make a huge difference in the life of another.  Seek God's will over that of your own.  Rest in peace, Dave, your work is done.

A Scout is Reverent.

Scoutmaster Minute, 14 March 2023

I like a good superhero movie as much as anyone else -- DC or Marvel -- does not matter.  What unites the stories is the superhero -- an individual with unique abilities and skills who serves mankind.  By unique we mean rare, like the ability to fly, shoot webs, run fast, shoot lasers from eyes, etc.  Some superheroes are born with super abilities.  Then there is a class of superheroes like Batman, Ironman, and Hawkeye who were not born with an innate ability, but trained and studied hard to get their skills to do goods deeds.  Could we say the same of Scouts?  How many people do you know outside of Scouts who can tie more than shoelaces and an overhand knot?  Not many, and I can tell you that personally the ability to tie the right knot has helped me help others over my lifetime.  Who can start a fire from wet wood to give warmth to others?  Most folks need propellant.  Outside of medical professionals and EMTs, who do you know that has the knowledge and can perform first aid under stress?  Did you say a Scout?  Who can navigate the lost back on the path?  A Scout.  Sometimes we approach our Scout Skills as tedious, but know that by design they are critical, particularly in our quest to help other people at all times.  With great power comes great responsibilities.

A Scout is Helpful.

Scoutmaster Minute -- 7 March 2023

It is this time of year when I am reminded of the short story by Ray Bradbury titled "All Summer in a Day."  The fictional story is about a classroom of children who live on Venus where it rains all the time, except for one hour every seven years when the sun is able to peek out and warm the planet.  It is this time of the year when the weather is often cold and rainy that I like to make the most of warm and sun-shiny days.  These days often bring out my neighbors and we enjoy the company of one another.  Yet, there are some who do not leave the confines of their abodes.  Glued to one or more electric screens, the comfort of climate-controlled rooms is a more appealing option than the warmth of the outside world.  Yet, no matter how many pixels on the LED or QLED screen, none of man's creations is a suitable facsimile of the glory and the wonders that God presents before us in the real world.  Outside, trees are budding.  Outside, perennials are cresting the surface of the soil and beginning the growth that will produce blooms.  Outside, wildlife is coming out of hiding and birds are returning from southward migrations.  Outside, the grass is turning green and our sun offers life-necessary Vitamin D.  Yet, in the confines of four walls awash in artificial light, many miss the opportunity of nice days outside.  I encourage you to take advantage of the good days and find praise for the beauty that God is laying out before us.

A Scout is Reverent.