I was watching a movie last night and I was struck by a line from one of the characters. In the movie, he said, "friendship means little when it's convenient." Although it was quickly delivered and merely a punctuation mark in this action movie, it left me thinking for some time. It is easy to be friendly when the relationship offers benefits. It is like when someone says, "hey, I'll be your friend if you give me one of your Oreos." Yet, we know true friendship involves loyalty and loyalty means sticking with someone or something not only when conditions are optimal, but also when times are tough. This was the context of the line in the movie.
Our days are changing – getting both cooler and shorter. We are in a time of the year when many of us suffer uncharacteristic sadness brought on by dreary weather, lack of the sun's Vitamin D, and a pause in conditions supporting some of the outdoor events we like to do. Remember that line, "friendship means little when it's convenient" and look after your friends. No man is an island and sometimes it means all the world just to have someone to lean upon.
A Scout is Loyal
A Scout is Friendly
A Scout is Kind
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Scoutmaster Minute -- 10 October 2023
As we are well into this school year, I know each one of you is performing well in math classes, be it algebra, geometry, trigonometry or calculus. I ask you consider an interesting math problem in a quote from Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, "Happiness is something that multiplies when it is divided." I hope you find that your continued service to others and endeavors to spread joy also brings you happiness and lifelong fulfillment.
A Scout is Cheerful
A Scout is Cheerful
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Scoutmaster's Minute -- 3 October 2023
Monday I enjoyed a conversation with Mr. Lance Frye, owner of Woodcrafters Furniture and Cabinetry. Mr. Frye's son Robert was in Troop 1396 for many years, and Mr. Frye likes to employ Eagle Scouts at his shop because of the values and dependability that these Scouts bring.
In our discussion, we talked about a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, our 26th US President. Mr. Roosevelt said, "Courtesy is as much of a mark of a gentleman as courage." Now it is important for us to reflect on the individual who said this. Teddy Roosevelt, a man who overcame numerous childhood maladies to become the epitome of the manly image. Teddy Roosevelt who hunted buffalo and other dangerous wild game. Teddy Roosevelt who led the charge of the 1st Volunteer US Cavalry up San Juan Hill, action that earned him the Medal of Honor. Teddy Roosevelt the Deputy Sherrif of Billings, Montana and the Police Commissioner of New York City. Teddy Roosevelt, the President who said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Finally, Teddy Roosevelt, the man who was shot in the chest by a would-be assassin but went ahead and delivered a 90-minute political speech with blood seeping through his shirt. This is a man that knew courage, yet he understood the equally important attribute of courteousness regarding qualities that make a proper gentleman. For all his rough-and-tumble reputation, we should remember that Teddy Roosevelt was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He believed in diplomacy. He valued conservation and understood the need to preserve the environment for future generations -- he both established the US Forest Service and signed the law that established the National Parks. We should also remember that Teddy Roosevelt was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving post-presidency as a member of a Troop Committee in Oyster Bay, New York, the first Commissioner of the BSA Nassau Area Council, and being the only BSA volunteer to be bestowed the title of Chief Scout Citizen. On his support for BSA, Teddy Roosevelt said, "manliness in its most vigorous form [which] can be and ought to be accompanied by unselfish consideration for the rights and interests of others."
Courage is an important attribute. As we say in our Scout Law, a Scout is Brave. Yet, the opportunity to be Brave comes much less frequent as the opportunity to be Courteous and is no more important. Practice courteousness and incorporate it into your daily habits and the ways you interact with others.
A Scout is Courteous.
In our discussion, we talked about a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, our 26th US President. Mr. Roosevelt said, "Courtesy is as much of a mark of a gentleman as courage." Now it is important for us to reflect on the individual who said this. Teddy Roosevelt, a man who overcame numerous childhood maladies to become the epitome of the manly image. Teddy Roosevelt who hunted buffalo and other dangerous wild game. Teddy Roosevelt who led the charge of the 1st Volunteer US Cavalry up San Juan Hill, action that earned him the Medal of Honor. Teddy Roosevelt the Deputy Sherrif of Billings, Montana and the Police Commissioner of New York City. Teddy Roosevelt, the President who said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Finally, Teddy Roosevelt, the man who was shot in the chest by a would-be assassin but went ahead and delivered a 90-minute political speech with blood seeping through his shirt. This is a man that knew courage, yet he understood the equally important attribute of courteousness regarding qualities that make a proper gentleman. For all his rough-and-tumble reputation, we should remember that Teddy Roosevelt was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He believed in diplomacy. He valued conservation and understood the need to preserve the environment for future generations -- he both established the US Forest Service and signed the law that established the National Parks. We should also remember that Teddy Roosevelt was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving post-presidency as a member of a Troop Committee in Oyster Bay, New York, the first Commissioner of the BSA Nassau Area Council, and being the only BSA volunteer to be bestowed the title of Chief Scout Citizen. On his support for BSA, Teddy Roosevelt said, "manliness in its most vigorous form [which] can be and ought to be accompanied by unselfish consideration for the rights and interests of others."
Courage is an important attribute. As we say in our Scout Law, a Scout is Brave. Yet, the opportunity to be Brave comes much less frequent as the opportunity to be Courteous and is no more important. Practice courteousness and incorporate it into your daily habits and the ways you interact with others.
A Scout is Courteous.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)