What did we do? We explained the rules and needs of the program. We demonstrated good Scouting by living the oath and law. We guided them through challenges, successes and the occasional setback. We enabled them to do their best.
Were there mistakes? Sure, but as we assess we will see the bigger truths that are exposed. We did so much good. We brought more families, including young women as well as young men, into the program. We continued to grow our youth in the scouting tradition. We inspired and helped each other to grow as adults and as Scouters. In short, we made a difference.
We only need to look among us for inspiration and affirmation of our faith in making that difference. One of our own in the Council, Mike Haas (the Spring 2019 Wood Badge Course Director and mentor to so many), points us to the parable of “The Starfish Story” by Loren Eiseley. The story recounts a tale of man encountering a youth picking up dying starfish stranded along a beach, and hurling them into the sea. The man notes there are here are too many starfish washed up to make a difference. When the man tells the boy why he cannot save them all, the boy picks up another starfish and throws it back, replying, “I made a difference for that one”.
We would all do well to listen to Mike. To me, Mike is the Johnny Appleseed of good turns. He has planted many seeds to help nourish all our good deeds in the future. He trusts that we in turn do the same for others.
As we contemplate all we have done, we can begin to plan for what is next. With those plans we will do much good. We will take scouts outdoors. We will teach them to lead. We will teach them to be trustworthy and to be kind. We will teach them to help others and themselves. We will teach them to make a difference.
During the approaching nighttime of our Scouting year let’s take the time to dream of what can be for Scouting. Picture all of us standing on a beach doing our best to make a difference. Remember the starfish and plan great Cub Scouting programs. When the new year dawns, we will go out together and turn those plans into events that have an impact.
I will leave us with this thought: the greatest DJ of all time, Casey Kasem, finished his radio programs with the inspirational directive to “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” Let’s do that one better, and keep our feet on the beach and keep reaching for our “starfish”.
