Recently
several land owners in the Valley received large checks from gas-drilling
companies for mineral rights. I’m sure these folks were not only elated by the
money, but by the thought of having such a potential energy source right in
their back yard! These folks have been sitting on a “gold mine” without
realizing it. Of course, the acquisition of the natural gas will depend on the
effectiveness of the drilling or “fracking” process. I’m happy for these
residents, and the anticipated economic boon to this whole region.
It causes
me to be thankful for the unlimited natural resources contained in the earth. Before
thinking of drilling for natural gas and/or oil, we’ve been able to drill for
water---the basic sustainer of life. How amazing that water is attainable to
all on this planet, but there’s not a drop available on the Moon!
Could not
this same principle apply to human resources as well? There are hidden qualities
in every human being waiting to be “tapped.” The media is replete with
violence, sex, and foolishness, overshadowing these inner qualities. There’s an
epidemic of sensual frivolity and pleasure-madness. Just look at the present
investigation of the alleged prostitution activity in some 8 so-called “Health
Spas” in our area!
Somehow we
need to find our “soul and conscience” again---that character training we used
to know. Remember when “drilling” had other meanings besides boring a hole in
the ground? It involved “training by repetition,” by parents and teachers. What
about the “flash card” drills in Math, or even the Catechism at church?
Ask anyone
with military experience to describe a “Drill Instructor.” Some of us had
elementary school teachers that fit that description—remember? These were the
teachers you hated at the time, but afterward you loved, because they “dug” the
best out of you. They knew how to “drill.”
Recently, Ray
“Boom Boom” Mancini addressed the Friends of Scouting breakfast in Howland. The
Youngstown
lightweight boxing legend extolled the high standards of the Boy Scouts, and
their role in developing future leaders. He said, “Faith, honor, perseverance
and responsibility…You have to be responsible for your actions in life.
Everything you do you will have to answer for…” He further expressed concern
for young people who were seeking instant gratification without exerting the
“sacrifice and dedication” needed to achieve their potential.
The Scout Oath requires a young man to pledge
his honor in doing his best “to do his duty to God and his country, and to be
reverent.” Actors John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, both Scouts in their youth, were
honored by President Ford at a benefit dinner in 1980. Mr. Stewart, who had
earned Eagle Scout rank as a boy, received the Distinguished Scouter Award. Both
of these men recited the Scout Law without a hitch---they had been “drilled.”
Commenting
on “Duty to God,” Mr. Stewart said it was recognition that there is someone
above this universe, who watches over it and us. It is a “lifetime thank-you
note our hearts send out in appreciation for the life that has been loaned to
us here on earth.”
After John
Wayne recited the Scout Law, he commented on “Reverent.” To “put it simply,” he
said, “Believe in anything you want to believe in, but keep God at the top of
it. With Him, life can be a beautiful experience. Without Him, you’re just
biding time.”
While we’re
drilling for “riches” below the earth, let’s not forget the wealth residing in
individuals on the earth. We must
return to the basics of “duty” to God, family, school, church, and society. We
cannot survive as a country apart from embracing the principles that made it great.
We must not only drill for natural energy sources, but there’s a desperate need
to strike the depths of moral consciousness, producing a “geyser” of spiritual
awakening.
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