It is a sad Monday for Scouters  all across the country who have awakened to the news that Assistant Scout Master (ASM)  Arthur Anderson was killed over the weekend while leading a crew of boy scouts on a hike.   This terrible event is magnified by the fact that Mr. Anderson was killed in a random act of violence by a young man, just a few years older than the boys out on this hike.    No one could have been prepared for an event like this, not even a boy scout leader.

Mr. Anderson was doing what he loved, leading scouts on an adventure.   In his 50 years of service to the Boy Scouts  he is sure to have led hundreds of hikes just like this one.  Hikes that were filled with laughter,  discovery, knowledge sharing and skill development.   Who in their wildest imagination could have predicted that the day would turn out as it did?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44224604/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/?GT1=43001#.TlJpZV2Bpu5

Thing is we never know what will happen next in our lives.    As the community gathers to mourn the loss of  ASM Arthur Anderson I would imagine everyone will be reflecting on a life “lived well”.  Will no doubt be a fitting tribute to the great man that he was, an everyday hero whose service probably went without fanfare or attention until now.  It often takes a tragedy to shine the light on the good that goes on in our own backyards.

We all  have the same opportunity to play a role in our community.  Question is how many of us will rise to the challenge and take that job?  How many of us will dedicate the time and resources needed to give back to our communities? There is always a good reason not too.

Is refreshing  to have the opportunity to  interview  professionals  looking to make a job change and hear that they are looking for a role that will allow them greater flexibility to serve the community.  Their stories (passion) are all different it may be scouting, church,  youth soccer, the “Y”, or feeding the needy but they have put an importance on the role they play in the community.   It is what I believe is the growing trend toward LIFE/work balance.

This is the  “kick in the ass”  kind of  event for me helping me  stay focused on what is most important in  life;  faith, family, friends, community and finally my job.   In sharing this story I hope it does the same for you.  Join me in praying for Arthur Anderson’s family and the community of boy scouts that were blessed to know him.