Hello, and welcome to a special Thanksgiving episode of ‘The Troop 457 Scoutmaster Minute.’ I’m Mr. Maloney, your host, and today I want to take a moment out of the Holiday to reflect on Thankfulness.
I’ve always wondered why the Scout Law doesn’t include that “A Scout is THANKFUL”?
If I could, I think I would add that as the 13th point of the Scout Law.
A thankful scout sees the blessings of good things in their life (food, family, friends, freedom, and even fun) and they recognize that as a scout they have opportunities for adventure and excitement that many other kids their age do not get.
Even more importantly, a Thankful Scout recognizes that the world does not OWE them anything; that they need to earn the things that they get.
Then, what should a thankful scout do?
Saying that I’m thankful doesn’t count for much, just like saying I’m trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, … doesn’t mean much either.
A Thankful Scout has to DO something to show they are really that way.
That is what living the Scout Law in your everyday life means.
It means that you show you are:
- Thankful for being free to make your own choices, so you’re Trustworthy by telling the truth.
- Thankful for your patrol mates, so you’re Loyal to them by pitching in with hard tasks and working as a team.
- Thankful for scouts that have taught you, so you’re Helpful to younger scouts.
- Thankful for your friends, so you’re Friendly to people around you that don’t seem to have friends.
- Thankful for the efforts of the SPL and other leaders, so you’re Courteous and quiet while they speak.
- Thankful for being accepted others, so you’re Kind by welcoming Webelos and other new members into our troop.
- Thankful for your home and family, so you Obey your parents.
- Thankful that you have free time and opportunities to have fun, so you’re Cheerful even while working.
- Thankful for the money people give you for fundraising, so you’re Thrifty when buying food and gear for camping.
- Thankful for the soldiers, policemen, firefighters, and others that protect us from danger, so you’re Brave when faced with a scary situation.
- Thankful for the adults that drive on campouts, so you leave their car Clean when you’re done.
- Thankful for every day you wake up with more life to live, so you’re Reverent to God.
Today is a day to be Thankful, but a Scout shows that they are thankful every day through their actions.
I hope that you and your family have a restful, safe, and fun Thanksgiving Day. Until next time, this is Mr. Maloney signing off from The Troop 457 Scoutmaster Minute. Happy Scouting!