Times They Are A Changing

So I know it's been nearly two years since my last post. I've just downloaded the Blogger app for my iPad, which makes posting pretty simple. Perhaps it will help me make a better commitment to posting. There is a marketing/social networking expert, whose philosophy I have come to value quite highly, Scott Stratton, who says, "don't blog for the sake of blogging. Blog when you have something to say." Now he would say two years is tad long to go without having anything to say. He'd be right.

And I do have things to say.

I was just reviewing my post from April 2011 and it's amazing to me that I mention my Catholic faith and my dedication to the Scout Law. Two things that are still incredibly important to me. And both are going through quite a sea change at present.

I've really wanted to weigh-in publicly on the Scouting membership issue. It's so important. I have no idea what the outcome will be. I have a strong opinion about what I want it to be. But I think what's more important to me now, than sharing why I believe the BSA should go one way or another, is that no matter what - I will support the program that I believe in. Scouting's membership may or may not change. I may or may not agree with the decision. But I have made a commitment to living the Scout Oath and Law. That will not change. I will uphold the values of Scouting - no matter what. I will help any scout or leader do their best and achieve their fullest potential in this program.

The hallmarks of Scouting continue to ring loudly and true to me.

What has made me most upset through this entire period has been the reactions I've seen from scout leaders. Name calling. Extraordinarily unkind words. From both sides. What the heck is up with that?! I read the Blog post from Scouting Magazine's "Bryan on Scouting" about the membership issue. Originally, I was heartened by the politeness of the comments. Until they descended into the same base behavior I have seen in other post comments sections. It surprises me and shocks me and disappoints me. Is this the example we want to set as scout leaders?

So I return to my April 20, 2011 post. A Scout is Trustworthy...Loyal...Friendly... Courteous...

No matter what the outcome in May. I pray that we all remember what (and especially whom) we are in scouting for.

Yes. I have things to say. It won't be another two years.