A Guiding Thought

We had an end of year reflection email from the Chief Guide Amanda Medler this week. It struck a deep chord with me as it finished off with:

"I want to thank you personally, for all you do for Girlguiding. Girlguiding continues to transform the lives of girls and young women through what has been one of the toughest years for the movement. Even if you’ve been unable to join in this year, please know you have a home in guiding and will be welcome back as soon as you are able."

I just sent a note to my Rangers:

"We have some Rangers that haven't been able to join us this year since March, but I have had an email today from the Chief Guide that has reminded me of them and has made me think a bit. She finished with: "Even if you’ve been unable to join in this year, please know you have a home in Guiding and will be welcome back as soon as you are able."

This has reminded me to tell you: No matter where you go in the world, no matter what you do in life, no matter whether you stay in Guiding from now on, or take a break of 30 years, Guiding is a family which will always be there for you. My friend (a leader in Rugby) was stranded in Canada when all the planes grounded in 2001, she was picked up from the airport by a local guider and stayed with her for a week. If you ever feel alone, find your local guiding branch and I guarantee they will find you a place to find friends. As your leader now I will always be here to help you, no matter how many years pass after you leave. It's something I didn't really truly understand until I sat reading an old visitors book at the world guiding centre Our Chalet in Switzerland."

Maybe a bit heavy but sometimes I really feel it. I've been ready to give up so many times this year, but the friendships I find through Guiding sustain me much longer than the pain of the {insert all the things I have a good moan about here}.

"take time to give - it is too short a day to be selfish"