When I was younger, I was a Brownie. In those days, Brownies had to wear pretty hideous dresses. Young Brownies of today, be thankful of your trousers and sweatshirts! As all good Brownies do, I did lots of ‘skills’ badges and stitched them on to my sash with pride. I then progressed – when I was old enough – to be a Girl Guide. From memory, the dresses disappeared and were replaced by skirts and t-shirts. Not much better, but slightly….!
Starting out as a newbie in the 3rd Broadstone (St John’s) group, I took my promise which in those days was: “I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God. To serve the Queen, to help other people, and to keep the Girl Guide law” – I notice that it has changed a bit now, but the concepts are the same.
Do you know what? Those words have held me in good stead in life….. well, some of them at least. We had to go to church on the Xst/Xnd/Xth Sunday of each month as we were linked to the Broadstone St John’s Church (we used the parish church hall for our meetings). I have to confess to not really enjoying that experience which is probably why I have avoided religion in my adult life.
I have always done my best and been known as a pretty driven individual throughout my childhood (when it was possibly not perceived as such a great quality!!) and into adulthood. However, one of my greatest motivators/qualities/whatever-you-want-to-call-it is that I really do like helping others. When friends are in need, I will always drop what I am doing to give them the time/support they need. When geneamates are wanting help to locate those devilishly difficult ancestors, I will do my utmost to advise/assist them in their attempts to break down those pesky brick walls.
That’s what it’s all about – Givers Gain in life, don’t you know? So, give lots without expecting anything in return…. and if/when it comes back (like a boomerang), be grateful …. Happy Easter folks!
