A note on the recent tragedy in Iowa

I am a Scoutmaster for a local troop and it was with a heavy heart that I learned of the news from Iowa. I am sure many of you felt the same way. I would like to take a moment and reflect on this tragedy and identify a few lessons we can learn from it. 
 
As the story of the tragedy unfold, we learned that these Scouts handled themselves remarkably well. They followed the correct procedures, they kept their heads in a crisis, and as soon as danger passed, they took control of the situation and began to take care of one another. Had these young men allowed themselves to fall apart, had they neglected their training, the loss of life could well have been much higher. It is a lesson to us all to take the Scout motto "Be Prepared" seriously for ourselves, our families, and our co-workers. The discipline they showed, the soundness of their training, and their bravery exemplify all we expect from Scouts and should inspire us to achieve the same level of preparedness in our daily lives.
 
As families, we can see how precious each day is and we can live with the understanding that today matters as much as, if not more than, tomorrow. While we plan for the future, it is important to live today and create those treasured memories that will see us through difficult times. Sometimes, our sense of urgency to pay a bill, to close a deal, to enhance our business supercedes time with our family, our friends, and our faith. Today is a day we can live only once and we need to pay attention to what matters. At the end of our lives, very few of us will wish we had spent more time at the office. 
 
As adults and community leaders, we see the potential for our children and our peers in crisis situations and gain an even greater sense of the responsibilities we have to ensure the safety of those for whom we are responsible. While we cannot control every situation, we can make sure we are as prepared as possible. 
 
Finally, as a community, we can see the value and amazing results of an organization that has worked for nearly 100 years to train and develop boys into men ready to selflessly take on leadership roles in our communities, our nation, and in the world. We also see their spirit of selfless service to others and hold their example as one we can follow in our own lives.  
 
Please keep the families and Scouts directly affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers. The loss of these fine young men is devastating to us all, but all the more so to their families, their peers, and their leaders.