A Good Companion

We have looked at many qualities of friendship, but none is as pleasant as the love of a friend. Scripture gives us many examples of good friends and how their love for each other strengthens and encourages them. David and Jonathan is an excellent example of two friends whose commitment and loyalty to each other carried them through difficulties and lasted long after Jonathan’s death. In 1 Samuel 18, we read: “…the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.”

Scouts learn that they can depend on their friend as a faithful companion in life’s journey, where it is a deep abiding love that is non-sexual and is not threatened by other committed relationships, such as the marriage of a friend. History and fiction are filled with such beautiful examples of deep friendships. One fictional account that has always been tender to me is that between Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin, as told in the stories of A.A. Milne. As Christopher Robin grows up and prepares to go off to school, leaving childhood behind, Pooh says, “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.”

“A companion loves some agreeable qualities which a man may possess,

but a friend loves the man himself.”

James Boswell

1740-1795

Writer

As a Scout, you must understand that not every friendship we have will be so profound. I do not believe we can maintain more than one such relationship at a time. Many people may never have so deep a friendship. However, all friendships offer the opportunity to be a good companion as you travel through life. Thomas Aquinas said, “Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends, even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.”

Scouting offers young people an opportunity to develop excellent and reliable friendships. There is a bond with those in your Troop or Patrol that become stronger as the years go by. You camp together, work as a team together, achieve badges, and ranks together. These are friendships you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Scouts treat every friend as if he or she were their best friend. They may not share their deepest feelings to all, but the concern and willingness to pour into the friendship are there. They always look for what is best for their friend and encourage them to succeed. They never treat them selfishly or use them for personal gain. Spanish Philosopher Baltasar Gracian said, “Never have a companion that casts you in the shade.”

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