Treasure Each Moment

Time. Something that none of us seem to have enough of.

The number one excuse for why we didn't go to the gym, why we never got around to shopping for groceries, and why we didn't have time to play with our children.

There are 7 days in each week, 24 hours in each day, 60 minutes in each hour, and 3,600 seconds in each hour. That sounds like a lot, but somehow we don't seem to find time to do the things that should matter the most.

We are all on the clock. Today will not last forever; our lives will not last forever.

To realize the value of one year, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who gave birth to a pre-mature baby.

To realize the value of one week, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one hour, ask the soldier and his wife who are waiting to meet after months apart.

To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of one second, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Time is precious. We make time for the things that matter. If you want to know the things a person values most, look at where they spend the majority of their time.

Matthew 6:21 says it best I think, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Where we spend our time, energy, money, and thoughts is where our hearts are.

It may feel like we have forever, but each moment is a gift. We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and a mystery. No one is guaranteed another day; all we have is the present.

"Live Like We're Dying"

By Kris Allen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6jnynVLfLA

Lessons From Boy Scout Camp

6.5 weeks of lessons learned, skills developed, and patience tested. Late nights, long days, lots of laughter, sweat, and, at times, frustrated tears.

Boy Scout camp counselor. That was the title I held the bulk of my summer. I was one of five female staffers in a sea of about fifty staff total.

It was a summer of "firsts"....

First time being a paid camp counselor.

First time living in a tent for more than two days at a time.

First time being away from home for more than a week at a time by myself.

First visit to Patient First.

First time being in a rowboat....at 6 A.M. no less!

First time staying up until 3 A.M. talking about life with my fellow staffers.

Yes, I had lots of "firsts."

I had lots of learning experiences too....

Discovering how different people communicate and learning how to best communicate with them.

Dealing with people who didn't think I should be at camp, much less be teaching.

Learning how I say something and when I say it, is just as important as what I say.

Learning how to live in a family of guys.

Learning how to teach skills that I barely know myself.

Learning how to ask for help.

Learning how to love different people where they were.

Learning how to laugh at myself.

The list could go on and on!

I would say the one thing that stood out to me the most this summer is that going the extra mile makes a difference, especially when done in the spirit of the Scout Oath and Law.

To do your best in a cheerful and organized manner, even when you feel tired, sweaty, and have very little idea what you are doing, goes a long way in setting an example for the Scouts and staff around you.

If the boys see you having fun, they will be more willing to jump into tasks and learn new skills. There will always be tedious tasks to do at camp, but a song or a word of encouragement can definitely help lighten the mood.

If the boys see you making the effort, they are more willing to be receptive to what you have to say. Actually learn the names of the boys you are around and something about them. There is something special about being at a camp of 300 boys and knowing that someone took the time to try to learn your name.

Lastly, if the boys see you make mistakes and try again, they are more likely to keep trying until they get it right. Everyone makes mistakes, but the failing does not come in the falling down, but in the staying down. So you had a rough day? It's okay. Tomorrow is a new day and the sun will rise. The boys will watch to see what your reaction to a situation is and likely follow suit.

Being on camp staff was 6.5 weeks of unforgettable lessons and memories, that's for sure. There was never a dull moment and every moment was worth anything I may have sacrificed over the summer. It was truly a summer of a lifetime!

 

We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.

Lord Robert Baden-Powell