Day 835 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Tonight I had the distinct pleasure of assisting our church's new Cub Scout pack host their first Blue and Gold banquet – a celebration of Scouting's birthday. Watching the group of 1^st through 4^th grade boys stand before their beaming families (or should I say squirm rather than stand) to make presentations and receive awards is like no other experience. Boys in uniform posing for photos with their proud parents, each boy holding a new certificate, belt loop or advancement rank patch. Little sisters and brothers scampering around the perimeter of the room barely able to sit long enough to see older brother share his collection, his handmade map or bookends. Grandparents clapping the loudest for their own little Scouts.

Who wouldn't be moved by the sight of a school gym filled with laughter, decorations and good food accompanied by prayers of thanksgiving and promises of personal responsibility and citizenship?

Inevitably I was transported back to my own family's passage through the Cub Scout years. How grateful I am that Brant and I saw how precious those fleeting years were and that we made such a commitment to fully engage our whole family in them. Each of us learned much during that time. Yes, the boys learned many skills (and Lauren right along with them) which contribute to who they are becoming as adults. So, also, did Brant and I learn from those years of working together as a leadership team. We learned a lot about commitment and over commitment. I like to think it made us better parents – not perfect but better.

Who knew that coaching young minds, one young mind in particular, would be a lifelong calling for us? I know it was not God's plan to have Grayson be injured so severely. I do know that it is God's plan for us to respond to the challenge with faith and hope and love.

Thank you all for being part of our support team. You help us "Do Our Best".

Regina