Perpetual Change

Eagle Charge

In the last few days of Lent this year, as I reflected on the calling in mental health that I am pursuing, I was preparing for Easter and was reminded of an Eagle Scout tradition. Typically, when at the Court of Honor when the scout is to receive the rank of Eagle, an older Eagle delivers a charge before the insignia is given. The message is that the badge is not the end, it is the beginning - from now and for always others will expect more of you, and by accepting the badge you are saying that you will rise to this responsibility to be an example of leadership and honor in your life. The words vary, and I was moved to write these, as a possible variant.

An old adage says "If youth but knew, if age but could."


This lament can be a lesson. Youth are reminded to gain from the knowlegde of their mentors, and those with knowledge have a responsibility to teach those with only the energy. Over the years, as you slowly gain more credits in the "knew" category and debits in the "could", remember to take two lessons from the experience that brings us here to today. Let this be one of your first deposits for when you encounter challenges in the future.


First, remember the importance of mission. Here you saw what a vision could become. If you have a purpose, you can build a plan.

Second, you alone did not make that plan into a reality. By surrounding yourself with good people who shared your vision or respected your leadership, you created something bigger than any of you could have done alone.

If experience is the currency in which we measure our life, then teaching from our experience is an investment of that currency in the future. Gain all the currency you can and invest it generously.

posted by jjs @ 6:13 PM