Get Outside

The fact that we have been in lockdown for the past few weeks did not mean we were locked in. It is also true that just because you are not in school, the learning has stopped. Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, said, “The outdoors is par excellence the school for observation and for realizing the wonders of the wondrous universe.”

Scouts and Scouters are made to be outdoors. We can learn so much by just being in and a part of God’s magnificent creation. Get out for a bit every day. Go for a walk. Go and spend time in your back yard. Listen to the birds, the wind, the sounds of nature. See the colors and the shapes and all the wonders that have been there all along.

 “Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.”

George Washington Carver

1864-1943

Scientist

Nature is one of those things that we so easily take for granted. It is there, has always been there and will be there long after we have gone. Yet, we pay so little attention to it. Make a point to pay attention. Go out for just one hour with a notebook and jot down all you see and hear. You may be amazed just how much you have missed before.

There is no better social distancing than to be outside. You can be alone and yet never feel alone. You have the Creator of the universe with you and the universe He created to boot.

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