A Scouting Christmas

Christmas is a time that is perfect for the Scout. Christmas is a time of happiness and joy (A Scout is Cheerful). It is a time when people go out of their way to be nice to each other (A Scout is Courteous and Friendly). Christmas is a time of helping others in need (A Scout is Helpful, Helping Others at All Times). And it is a time to remember the birth of Jesus, who came as a baby to live as a man and to save us from our sins (A Scout is Reverent and Does His Duty to God).

                Most of all, Christmas is a time for doing good and to fulfill the Scout slogan to “Do a Good Turn Daily”. Of course, Scouts do not wait until Christmas to do their good deeds. It is a practice they fulfill all year round. But at Christmas, it takes on a special meaning, not just to Scouts but to all people.

                A Scout, or anyone really, should see doing a good deed, an act of kindness to others, as a special gift. This gift costs nothing yet is priceless. It is done with no expectation of payback or rewards yet yields riches beyond our hopes and dreams. A good deed is as simple as a smile and a few kind words, yet may be the most important project of your life.

 “The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of The Boy Scouts

                This Christmas, beyond all the gifts you give or receive. Beyond the celebrations and family get-togethers, you will attend. Keep your eyes open and your mind sharp to see where they may be a need you can fill, or an act of kindness just waiting for a person like you to give it life. Be ready to jump in and do that thing that others may not think to do. In short, be prepared.

                Always remember that doing a good deed is not about you and how you think and feel about it. It is about others. A truly successful person is the one who knows that doing good is the best way to get ahead. I love the works of author and speaker, Zig Ziglar who said: “You can have anything in life you want, as long as you help other people get what they want”.

                Have the best Christmas ever! Enjoy the gifts, family, friends, and fun. Do a good deed for as many people as you can and you will be like George Baily in the old movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, “The Richest Man in Town”.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey