There are many things in the news lately about problems in the Boy Scouts of America from child abuse which was covered up for decades. I feel heartbroken and betrayed by any leaders who misused their positions to be predators on boys.

I am happy to report no abuse of any kind happened to me throughout my years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout. I am grateful to my mother, my Den Mother, and to all the men in our church who volunteered to help me become an Eagle Scout.

Despite the now public crimes of a few pedophiles, Boy Scouting has helped many men become prepared for life and leadership.

You can build your life in many of the same ways Scouts were taught to build their lives.

• • The mission of Boy Scouts is to be prepared by anticipating problems and practicing solutions.
  • The Scout Law provides the means of being prepared. A Scout is to be 12 qualities: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
  • The Slogan of a Scout is to do a good deed daily.

To build your life on the proven foundation from Boy Scouting, you discern your purpose, principles, and prowess.

1. 1. Purpose. Each of us has a reason to be here on this planet. For Christians, our purpose has something to do with knowing and enjoying a relationship with God for eternity. Your purpose guides your decision making, vocation, self-esteem and relationships.
   2. Principles. Each of us have fundamental, abiding truths we use for a moral compass. Our standards come from what matters most, is of highest value, and of greatest worth.
   3. Powers. Each of us have aptitudes, natural gifts, prowess, and genetic capabilities. For Christians, our spiritual gifts come from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Below is a famous type of building, with the foundation of “Why?” Why are you here? Why do you have a quest to pursue?

The building grows on “How?” How are you going to use principles to fulfill your purpose?

Then “What?” What will you use to live your principles to achieve your purpose and do good?

• Today’s goals and decisions
• This week’s goals
• This month’s goals
• This year’s goals
• Long term goals (3 to 5 years)
• Roles for living out your mission
• Souls entrusted to your care
• Spiritual gifts God gave you
• What? Your talents to do a good deed
• How? Your principles in life
• Why? Your purpose in life_*

_* Start with the foundation: your mission in life (what do you want said in your eulogy?)

Or, more poetically:
Discern why you are alive (before your life ends in a hole).
Define the principles you live by to be more whole.
Develop your aptitudes, talents, and strengths for your psychological payroll.
Discover your spiritual gifts so you will have better quality control.
Disciple others to mature on purpose using good values for their (& your) souls.
Detect all the ways you serve others at home, work, and church to identify your roles.
Document precisely what you want in the next few years as your SMART¹ goals.
Determine what to be, do, have, give, and feel to end this year without a stocking full of coal.
Deliberate on what to change this month to earn being on the top of the totem pole.
Design this coming week for belonging, learning, contributing, and, just take a stroll.
Decide today to what you say “Yes” or “No” to keep alignment with all the above on a roll.

Okay, I had fun with the poem. But doing the work above will be fulfilling, and not much fun for you at first. If you need help, please give me a call.

_________

¹ Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-limited (without a deadline, a goal is a dream).