A Cubs' Own is a gathering of Cubs. This can be in groups as small as two or as large as a whole World Jamboree, though groups of a few sixes work best. In smaller groups, Cubs are able to get involved, share their experiences, and see that spirituality is something that effects everyone.
A Cubs' Own is held for the development of the his or her spirituality. Spirituality is that which is beyond the material; that which gives meaning and direction to one's life. Scouting is primarily concerned with how people live out their beliefs in everyday life. Hence, a Cubs' Own should connect in some way to the Scouting Laws, the ethical code of Scouting.
A MOHAWK THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
The Scout Leader stood in front of the Pack and had some items in front of him. He picked up a large empty glass jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2" in diameter. He then asked the Pack if the jar was full? They agreed that it was.
So the Leader then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the Pack again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
Then the Leader picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Naturally the sand filled up everything else.
"Now," said the Leader, "I want you to recognize that this is your life. The rocks are the important things; your family, your grandparents, your friends and your health, your education - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are less important things, like your possessions, television, bicycle, and electronics. The sand is everything else - the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for all the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you"
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Enjoy and enhance your friendships with your family and friends. Take on activities with others. There will always be time for less important things like watching TV or working around the house. Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
But then...
A young Scout stood up and asked the Pack if they were sure that the jar was truly full. All the Pack agreed that it was indeed full. When they had all agreed, the Scout reached into his backpack and pulled out a canteen of water.
He poured the contents into the already "full" jar. Of course the water filled the remaining spaces within the jar making the jar truly full.
Which proves that no matter how full your life is, there should always be room for the basic ingredients of life and nature.
A winner says, "Let's find out."
A loser says, "Nobody knows."A winner makes a mistake and says, "I was wrong."
A loser makes a mistake and says, "It isn't my fault."A winner goes through a problem.
A loser goes around it and never gets past it.A winner makes commitments.
A loser makes promisesA winner says, "I'm good, but not as good as I could be."
A loser says, "I'm not as bad as a lot of others."A winner tries to learn from those who are superior.
A loser tries to tear down those who are superior.And finally ...
A winner says, "There ought to be a better way."
A loser says, "That's the way it's always been."
If you own a Bible, Quran, Geeta, Avesta or any other holy scripture ... you are abundantly blessed since 1/3 of all the world doesn't have access to one and over two billion people in this world can't read.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, BUT MOST DO NOT!
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer your support, AND EVERYONE NEEDS THE TOUCH OF A LOVED ONE, A FRIEND OR EVEN A STRANGER AT SOME TIME ... EVERY DAY!!!
When geese fly in formation, they travel about 70% faster than when they fly alone.
Geese share leadership. When the lead goose tires, he (or she) rotates back into the "V" and another flies forward to become the leader.
Geese keep company with the fallen. When a sick or weak goose drops out of the flight formation, at least one other goose joins to help and protect.
By being part of a team, we too can accomplish much more, much faster. Words of encouragement and support help inspire and energize those on the front lines, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue.
Finally, showing compassion and active caring for our fellow man — a member of the ultimate team: "MANKIND".
The next time you see a formation of geese, remember that it is a reward, a challenge, and a privilege to be a contributing member of a team.
April 25, 2005
