Dear Bobwhites,
Fall is upon us. The leaves are changing into a cornucopia of colors. It reminds me of the harvest when all the hard work of the summer comes into fruition and it's time to bring in the fruit of our labors.
Life full of starts and stops. It's estimated that an average car starter motor cranks between 20,000 and 50,000 times before it will need to be replaced. A recent report from Indiana University shows that over the past 20 years, 31 million students start college and don't receive their degree. Every year billions of people make new year resolutions to change their lives in some significant way but only 8% actually achieve their goal? Why is that?
There are too many reasons to list here. Suffice it to say that things happen. Life gets in the way. We loose our motivation and we fall back into old habits. I heard it said once that a "rut" is just a grave with the ends kicked out. So how do we climb out of the ruts we make for ourselves?
Each of you has planted a seed... a Wood Badge seed. You continue to cultivate it, nourish it, and watch it grow. I want to encourage you to continue on your path to completing your tickets so your harvest will be realized.
I found 7 principles to help you finish strong.
1- Goals - You have set the goal to attend Wood Badge. Congratulations! You all have completed this first goal. Each of you also has set 5 other goals called a ticket that you are working toward completing. Congratulations is again in order for those of you have had completed some of those goals. You each have a goal to receive your Wood Badge Beads, Neckerchief and Woggle as well. But I submit this is not the end fruit of your labors, although significant. I submit it is the impact you will have on the lives of young men the rest of your lives. Your ultimate goal should be to inspire young men to emulate your character as you strive to live a life based in the mission and vision of the BSA and as you do your duty to God and Country.
2- Commitment - Don't forget the commitment you made to yourself when you began this journey. You also likely committed to family, friends, church members, and young men that you would finish. Your example to personal commitment can leave a lasting impact on young men. I encourage you to stay committed to your goals.
3-Purpose - Remember why you began this journey in the first place. Many times the original purpose for beginning a worthy goal can change as your perspective of the importance of the journey is realized. I hope your purpose for finishing your ticket and receiving your beads has broadened and encompassed the vision and mission of the scouting program. Remember to zoom out if you get caught up in the minutia of the task at hand. The vision can bring you back on course.
4-Patience - 18 months is a long time. Some of your ticket may be difficult to realize and may take some time. Don't expect results immediately. Remember that some of the most beautiful things in life take time to develop. If you hit a dead end, don't give up. Breathe deep and remember that you are not alone. You have a patrol of peers ready to help at any given moment. These are friends who are on the very same journey. Reach out and reach up for help.
5- Passion - We live in a world fraught with evil influences pulling and prodding our youth in ever direction but upward. If ever there was a time in our history when they need the help of qualified, caring, and passionate adult leaders it is now. Your passion for helping youth can be a great source for pushing through difficulties. Remember the boys and how much they need our help.
6-Strength - Strength can come in numbers. I've already alluded to this. Your individual strength is an asset not only to yourself but to others in your patrol. Don't wait for others to ask for help. Proactively reach out and lend a hand. Strength will come as you continue to work as a team to help the others achieve their goals and realize their harvest. Remember the competitions on course and the aha moment when you realized it wasn't just about you? Use your strength to help your team mates and watch as you all rise together.
7- Integrity - Be true to yourself and to this great cause. Don't cheat yourself by cutting corners on your ticket. You should look back and be proud of what you have accomplished and the difference you have made in the lives of those you serve. Be true to the principles you have learned and the mission of the BSA. Your integrity to yourself and this program should drive you to finish and be a life long contributor to the future of our church, our country, and individual boys and families for generations to come.
Gordon B. Hinckley once said:
“…of those
who begin with noble objectives, but then slow down, or of those who are strong
starters and weak finishers. So many in the game of life get to first base, or
second, or even third, but then fail to score. They are inclined to live unto
themselves, denying their generous instincts, grasping for possessions and in
their self-centered, uninspired living, sharing neither talent nor faith with
others. Of them the Lord has said: “And this shall be your lamentation in the
day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past,
the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!” (D&C 56:16).
It is my sincerest wish that you can finish strong and realize a bounteous harvest lifting and encouraging others along the way through servant leadership. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to be a shining example to the young men in your lives.
YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle
A couple of fruits from my labors:
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| Tucker Johnson Eagle COH with Mike Scott. |
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| Tucker Johnson looks Liberty the Eagle in the eye. |
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| Tucker Johnson and Noah Uffens Eagle Court of Honor 9/2015 |
