A Consistent Friend

There is a sense of dependability in a friendship that we all find appealing. You know that your friend will be your friend regardless of the circumstances. You may not see each other a lot or talk all the time, but you know you are friends, and that brings comfort and a feeling of security. Major League Baseball legion Ernie Banks said, “Loyalty and friendship, which is to me the same, created all wealth that I’ve ever thought I’d have.” A good friend is worth more than gold.

Scouts and Scouters value friendship very highly. They know that the value is not just about having good friends but being a good friend. The loyal and steadfast nature of friendship is vital to our success. The late sportswriter, Charlie Jones, said, “Loyalty is something you give regardless of what you get back, and in giving loyalty, you’re getting more loyalty; and out of loyalty flow other great qualities.” Being a good friend helps us develop our character and makes us better people.

“Be slow to fall into friendship, but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.”

Socrates

?-399 BC

Philosopher

People expect their friends to be there for them. Sadly, that is not always the case. Too often, friends will bail out when things get hard or too much is asked of them. Scouts are consistent in their friendship. They are as good a friend in a difficult time as they are in good times. They can be counted on to be there and to do all they can in support of a friend. When a Scout is your friend, you do not have to wonder where their loyalty lies; it is with you.

This is the reason that Scouts are more selective of their close friends than other people are. Scouts understand that friendship is a responsibility and not always easy. Worldly friends say they will love you no matter what. That is not loving at all. Real friends will desire to make you a better person. They will tell you when you are wrong and heading into danger. Scouts care about their friends and invest in them their time and energy to help them succeed in life.

Scouts are friends who will do what they can to help their friends live by success principles. They know that it is better to strengthen a friend than to clean up after them. As author George MacDonald said, “It is better to keep a friend from falling than to help him up.” Good friends are consistent, accountable, and loyal. They are good to have on your side. They will not sit by and allow you to fail. Scouts will not leave when you mess-up, but they will do all they can to keep you from messing up in the first place.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey