Boy Scout Troop 325
Scoutmaster Minute
Scout Spirit

July 13, 2004

By Larry Polyak, Assistant Scoutmaster

The other day on the way to work in the morning, I remembered that I needed a few office supplies. So I stopped at Office Depot over on Stevens Creek Blvd because I knew that they opened at 8:00 am. I found what I wanted and took my place in line behind a rather angry and grumpy old lady. She appeared to be in a hurry and was frustrated that the line was moving slowly. She kept looking over at the other line to see if it was moving faster. The person in front of her was taking a long time, so the old lady angrily mumbled something and shoved her cart over to the other line and let me move up.

Sure enough she reached a cashier before I did. Before they started checking her things however, the cash register jammed and the cashier opened it up and started fumbling with the paper in the machine. Just then the person in front of me finished and it was my turn. Now I was in a hurry because I was late for work, but I looked over and said "Ma'am, you were here first, go ahead of me.". She looked over and stared at me for a second, almost in disbelief. Then she said "Thank you", came over and started her transaction. Before she left, she looked back at me and said "Thank you very much!". Suddenly, she wasn't so angry and grumpy. I moved up and the cashier said, "Wow, that was very nice of you. You did your good turn for the day. Now you can be mean the rest of the day.". I just smiled and said "No, I don't think so.". In fact, I felt good. It gave me a great feeling to start the day with!

Afterwards, I thought that this is what the Scout Spirit is all about. It's not about how many meetings you attend, or how many Merit Badges you earn. It's not about whether you reach Tenderfoot or Eagle rank. It's about how you live your life every day.

I encourage you all to think about what the Scout Spirit means to you and how you can apply it in your own life. Certainly, be courteous and be helpful. But don't just wait for an old lady who needs help crossing the street or who wants to get in line in front of you. Actively seek out opportunities in which you can show your Scout Spirit. You'll find that eventually, the rewards will follow.

Thank you, and may the Spirit of Scouting be with you.