Weekly Update – 6th August

Be Prepared

This is, of course, the motto of the Scouts, and as we’ve just had World Scout Scarf Day (1st August, the anniversary of the first ever Scout Camp on Brownsea Island in 1907), I thought it was quite apt as a train of thought for this week’s ramblings.

Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement explained that Being Prepared means ‘you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty’.

As a Scout Leader I’ve long championed the idea of Being Prepared, but even as a Brownie we had pocket inspection and had to be able to produce a clean handkerchief, length of string and two pence for the phone box whenever asked – I never used them! As a mum you learn very quickly to Be Prepared; wet wipes, water, snacks, games, pens, paper, first aid kit, spare socks… the contents of your bag become many and varied.

Jesus tells a story that illustrates the importance of being prepared; the parable of the ten bridesmaids, found in Matthew 25:1-13. In the story, there are ten bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom to come and take them to the wedding feast. Five of them are wise and have extra oil for their lamps, while five of them are foolish and have no oil. When the bridegroom arrives at midnight, the foolish bridesmaids realise that their lamps are going out and ask the wise ones to share their oil. The wise ones refuse, saying that there may not be enough for both of them, and tell the foolish ones to go and buy some oil. While the foolish ones are away, the bridegroom takes the wise ones to the wedding feast and shuts the door. When the foolish ones return, they knock on the door and ask to be let in, but the bridegroom says he does not know them and rejects them.

The moral of the story is that we should Be Prepared for Jesus’ coming, because we do not know when he will come and we do not want to miss his invitation to his kingdom. Being Prepared means having faith in him, obeying his commands, serving others and sharing his love. It also means being alert, vigilant and ready to act when he calls us.

The Scout motto and the parable of the ten bridesmaids have a lot in common. They both teach us to Be Prepared for any situation, especially for the most important one: meeting our Lord. They both challenge us to think ahead, plan wisely, act responsibly and trust God. They both inspire us to live with purpose, passion and hope.

Being Prepared is not just a motto; it is a way of life.

Jenny

Church Warden

 

As an aside, but in keeping with the Be Prepared train of thought, planning for our Christmas Market on 2nd December has started. Look out for further notices and please don’t run away if you see me with a clipboard and sign-up sheet 😊