"The Order of the Arrow has always served as one of the pinnacles of service to our country, not because we are asked to, and most definitely not because we are told to, but rather because it is our duty as Arrowmen. Dr. E. Urner Goodman, in his 1966 address at the Area 2C conference, talked to Arrowmen about the founding of the Order. He said to them that the Order of the Arrow was not founded on Treasure Island. Rather, it was founded many years beforehand. In 1776 a nation was founded, one that spoke of freedom and liberty." Click here for the full letter.
This passage from a letter written by Benjamin Stilwill, 2008 National Vice Chief, explains what the Order of the Arrow is about. Once you're an Arrowman, you understand that the Order of the Arrow is a SERVICE organization. "Cheerful service to others." What I find is that many Scouts don't fully understand what the OA is, and that's why they choose to not get involved. We live in a day when men don't hold the door for women anymore, or let women go first in line. We don't remember the words "please" and "thank you." Serving others, helping others live happier and truer lives, is the harder but ultimately more rewarding road. If you live a life of service you will be taken care of when in need. Things will work out in your favor. Life will be arranged to better allow this service.
How do you serve others? I teach martial arts, and feel that I serve my community every day. In a flash my life's purpose came to me one day as I was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco: to serve others. I didn't know how...I didn't need to know. I just tried my best every day to serve others, to put others first. My life has never been better. I'm happy and I have people around me who love me. They give back the energy I feed to them.
What can you do today to serve others?
-Sensei Brian
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