The Gift

Reflecting on the Privilege and Responsibility of Being a Sigma Chi

By Greg Beach ’79

In 1922 Scoutings founder, Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell, said:

“There is what is known as a ‘gift’ of some sort hidden away in almost every man. Why is it called a ‘gift’? Well, because it is a natural quality – a gift from God. That being so the possessor of it ought to make use of it – for God. He can do this by giving out again of that gift to others. Let him give of his talents for the benefit of others rather than of himself, and you will be doing God’s work and will be finding what true happiness means.”

I am reminded from Baden Powell’s comments that, as Sigs, each of us is given unique gifts by our Creator to make this world better for our families, our schools, our state, our nation and our world. God has given each one of us a special gift that only truly manifests itself in service to others. Know that you make a difference and play an important role, and thank you for bringing your special gifts to the fraternity and to our world.

Give thanks, brothers, for our many different temperaments, talents and convictions. Help us to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Encourage our minds, embolden our hearts, and empower our spirits to be men who are worthy of wearing the White Cross of Sigma Chi.

Connect with Greg at P.O. Box 5242, Missoula, MT 59806, or gdbeach@aol.com.