Refined...Refinement...Refine Me

There's no better time for reflection, than when surrounded by the beauty of nature. This weekend there was plenty of that in my life, as I went camping with my daughters' Girl Scout troops at the very lovely Indian Springs State Park. During this time I came to the realization that maybe I could use a bit of refinement.

Being a troop leader is something I really enjoy (to be read: working with the girls and hopefully helping to develop their character and instill in them a love for the environment). However the conclusion I drew this weekend has me leaning towards a different course in the future i.e., not being a leader. I found myself not wanting to deal with parents; not all of them (however having that desire is not necessarily a glowing quality in a leader).

This year has been interesting for me to say the least. I came into it with a sense of dread and loathing. [Well it's true] Several parents and leaders have expressed unhappiness with my leadership style. [They are in the minority] but well they're entitled to their opinions.

However back to this weekend. There were some instances that tried my patience, and I really felt that (my patience) was something that needed to be refined. It occurred to me that refinement meant a drawing down of me and an increase of something more pure. I need to be closer to God in order to be a more effective leader. I want to be refined, to be better, to be less me and more God.

With this in mind I will be making a lateral move to co-leader next year and working on becoming a better person (with more patience) so that I can better serve the girls and families I work for. I always tell the girls that we should live by the Promise and the Law, and I mean it. In order to do that I must show them a good example of doing so myself.

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honour, I will try
to serve God, and my country,
to help people at all times,
and to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be,
Honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong,
responsible for what I say and do,
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place,
and be a sister to every girl scout.

All I can do is try. I just hope that after some time of reflection and study I will show myself approved.

Until next time,
Be Blessed.