What week is it?

by Daily Grace

Who knew? Organize Your Files Week (third week in April)? National Bubble Week (second week in March)? Fishing Week (first week in June)? This past week, February 8-14, we celebrated Boy Scout Week.

On May 1, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson established Boy Scout Week, saying “America cannot acquit herself commensurately with her power and influence in the great period now facing her and the world unless the boys of America are given better opportunities than heretofore to prepare themselves for the responsibilities of citizenship.”

On Sunday February 8, my congregation, who charters a troop, had scouts in uniform assisting during the services as ushers. An adult Scout was the liturgist and my family served communion.  It was great to see those uniforms serving the church. The twelfth part of the Boy Scout law is ‘A Boy Scout is Reverent.’

Boys learn about becoming strong citizens in the community through Scouting. They do service without seeking rewards. I’ve observed a Boy Scout shovel an elderly neighbor’s driveway without being asked. I’ve watched the boys in our troop come out of their shells, grow in their leadership skills, learn new skills, including the usual fire building, axe safety, cooking for themselves, etc. I’ve watch adults also come of their shells and learn leadership skills. I’ve know adults to take a group of boys on a weeklong summer camp leaving on Father’s Day, inheriting twenty sons for the week.

My brother and husband were both Cub Scouts. My son was a Cub Scout and is now a Boy Scout, Life Rank. I am thankful for all scouting has done for our country, our community, our church and my family. When I was serving as Nebraska SWO president, I often saw Boy Scouts of the hosting church there to help us unload the cars, shovel the sideways, open doors, and any other tasks needed. Thank you!

So as we celebrate those weeks in the year, perhaps National Smile Week (second week in August) or Fire Prevention Week (second week in September), take the time to thank those scouts in your life for making a difference.

Gwen Edwards, from Bellevue, Neb., is serving a second term on the churchwide executive board.

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Photo supplied by the author. It depicts her son, Aaron, and the Rev. Brad Meyer, pastor of Lord of Love Lutheran Church (Omaha, Neb.).