Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36
We’ve been experiencing some high winds the past couple days. They were supposed to really be blowing last night so we got ready in case we lost power. We cranked up the heat, made sure we had flashlights, and since my hubby was away, our bedroom became the sleepover zone. The boys sprawled out, but had a hard time falling asleep.
When the winds started to blow, the electricity blinked. When they started to howl, our lights went out. It didn’t panic anyone though because we were prepared.
I’ve heard the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” many times. This is what it says in the Boy Scout Handbook:
“Be prepared for what?” someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting.
“Why, for any old thing.” said Baden-Powell.
The training you receive in your troop will help you live up to the Scout motto. When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of your first aid instruction. Because of lifesaving practice, you might be able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into deep water.
But Baden-Powell wasn’t thinking just of being ready for emergencies. His idea was that all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and to give happiness to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead.
Be prepared for life – to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have done your best. That’s what the Scout motto means.
Boys learn so much about life through that organization, but I just want to ask why my hubby still goes away when it’s cold without a coat since he’s an Eagle Scout? When I ask him that question, his answer is, “Don’t need it.” What if he breaks down along the side of the road?
Let me tell you a little story, then I’ll get back on topic. When we were on vacation, the guys wanted to head to the beach knowing it was supposed to rain. They had their backpacks that were weighed down with all their supplies, but no raingear. I might ask you where the Boy Scout motto was during that time.
I’m not a Boy Scout, but I stayed dry with an umbrella. Hey, I didn’t even have to lug a big backpack with me. I’m only saying this because later we needed some sandwich and gallon bags for fossil finds back at the house. Do you know my hubby kept pulling them out of that backpack? I’m talking at least fifty! I was told that you never know when you might need them; he was prepared. Why on earth would you need that many bags, but no raingear?
Remember that I get to ramble occasionally. It’s good to get it out of my system! Now, back to Baden-Powell. He wanted to prepare boys for life. He wanted them ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet challenges ahead with a strong heart. Isn’t that what God wants from all of us? Are we going through the ranks to be prepared as the scouts do on their journey to Eagle or do we get lazy?
The boys and I were prepared for the windstorm and the possible effects it might have had. It was no big deal to us, but what if we weren’t prepared? What if the electricity being out meant us being really cold? What if someone panicked because something was wrong, but we had no flashlight to see with?
I believe that God never wants us in the dark; he wants us prepared. We are told to remain alert, be watchful, and vigilant. He wants us to get ready before the storm comes by praying, learning His promises, and becoming strong in faith. We shouldn’t wait until disaster strikes and think we are going to act like an Eagle Scout when we haven’t even passed Tiger Scout rank.
I challenge you to prepare now in order to stay confident and strong during times of storms. Then, there won’t be any regret from wishing you would’ve done something before the storm was upon you. Like Baden-Powell, I want you prepared for any old thing!
