Be Prepared

When I reflect on the things going on in my life and in the world, the words that come to me are: Be prepared! My husband said that's the Boy Scout's motto. So I guess we should all be like boy scouts.

More and more natural disasters are threatening our world. Earthquakes happening--now a major hurricane; we've seen our share of tornadoes and flooding too.

Last weekend a young newly ordained priest of our diocese and a young seminarian were killed in a tragic car accident. The Lord came for them at an unexpected hour.

How do we prepare? Here are some practical tips:

• Stay close to the Lord through prayer
• Be thankful which helps us grow in grace
• Confess our sins readily
• Stay in the Word which gives life and direction
• Serve Him with our gifts and talents 

" 'Be prepared for what?' someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. 'Why, for any old thing,' said Baden-Powell."

Are we prepared for any old thing?

"The training you receive in your troop will help you live up to the Scout motto. When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of your first aid instruction. Because of lifesaving practice, you might be able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into deep water."

With the increase of disasters all around us it might be good for all of us to have first aid instruction and, when you think about it, God should be our "First Aid" since he's our primary source of assistance!

"But Baden-Powell wasn't thinking just of being ready for emergencies. His idea was that all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and to give happiness to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead. Be prepared for life - to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have done your best. That's what the Scout motto means." 1

What about this motto strikes you:

• become productive citizens?
• give happiness to other people?
• be ready in mind and body for any struggles?
• meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead?
• live happily and without regret?
• do your best? 

Maybe it's time to reflect on Boy Scout's 101 and make sure we are prepared.

"Therefore stay awake! ...So too, ...be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." Mt. 24: 42 & 44

Grace & peace,
Sheila

1. Excerpt from page 54, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th ed.