With Thanksgiving coming up this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about family — the easy moments, the loud ones, the funny ones, and even the challenging ones. Holidays have a way of putting everyone back around the same table, and sometimes that means sitting with people we love… even when we don’t agree with everything they say or believe.



But here’s the thing: compassion, kindness, and respect don’t require agreement. They just require understanding.

In Scouting, when we say “A Scout is Reverent,” we’re not saying everyone must think the same way. We’re saying a Scout respects the beliefs of others while practicing their own. That’s a powerful skill — and honestly, something the world needs a lot more of right now.

Life wouldn’t be very interesting if we all saw things the exact same way. It’d be flat, predictable, and pretty boring. What makes families, patrols, and communities strong is the mix — the different points of view, the different stories, the different experiences each person brings.

And even when we don’t see eye-to-eye, we can still care for each other. We can still listen. We can still show patience. We can still be connected.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food or the day off — it’s a reminder to be grateful for the people in our lives, even when things aren’t perfect… especially when things aren’t perfect.

You can disagree with someone and still be family. Still be friends. Still work together. Still break bread (or turkey) at the same table.

This week, as we gather with the people who shape our lives — the ones we laugh with, disagree with, lean on, and sometimes struggle with — I’m grateful for all of it. Because the heart of Scouting is learning how to meet each person with respect, patience, and understanding.

Happy Thanksgiving, Scouters. I’m thankful for you, too.