On My Honor

These words are part of the Boy Scout oath. The Scouts may not be held in high esteem due to their decision to disallow any homosexual members. When I was a boy it was a privilege to become a Scout. It was something I was proud of.

I learned a lot from this group. Some of these lessons I have held onto for these many years. One important lesson is to never accept a reward for doing a good deed. This concept was challenged once when I was employed by a large department store.

I helped a disabled man and his wife choose a new radio for their son. I spent quite a bit of time with them helping them to contrast and compare the various models we had available. After they had made their choice and paid for the item I carried it outside as the wife went to pull their car around.

The man offered me three dollars as a tip. I explained to him that, not only was this against the employee rules, but also that I could not accept the money in good conscience. He then threatened to just throw the money into the wind if I did not acquiesce. I held my ground and the gentleman reluctantly placed the bills back into his shirt pocket.

Another important lesson was emphasized whenever I went on a Scout camping trip. We were told by our leaders, before we left the campsite, that we should leave the area a little bit better than when we had found it. It is this lesson that describes well the philosophy of my life.

I am certainly no saint. I have my faults. What I sincerely desire is to help others. I cannot change the world. The best I can hope for is to make my little corner of it a bit better than when I found it. I pray that my words and actions through my life help to ensure I reach my goal.