The Getting or The Having Minute

This Minute is meant for Scouts BSA.

2 rocks from a rock collection

The effort of acquiring something is as important as having it.

I collect rocks. Since I was little, I've been fascinated with rocks - igneous, metmorphic, sedimentary. Fossils, agates, gems, minerals, you name it, I collected it.
I was fortunate to grow up in the mountains of Idaho - the Gem State - so there were ample opportunities to find wonderful rocks. And, I had a great friend that also was a rockhound. (This is half of a fossil that he and I collected and split. He has the other half.)

Once, my Dad and I spent a day digging for garnets which are valuable gemstones (and Idaho's state rock). We did well and found a tin can full - more than needed for a rock collection. So, on a trip to Wisconsin, I brought along some of the garnets.
We stopped at a rockshop somewhere in Wisconsin and I showed the owner my garnets. He was impressed and swapped some beautiful agates, serpentine, and desert roses for a few garnets. (This is one of the desert roses he gave me.)

I've also purchased rocks for my collection, not many but some. Unfortunately, I didn't bring any of those with me. Mostly because I don't remember which ones they are. They just aren't that special to me.

Whether you collect rocks, stamps, or playing cards, build models, or earn merit badges, it doesn't matter. Those things that you worked hard for or made yourself or found yourself will be much more valuable than those things you buy or get with little effort.

I believe that the 'Getting' is at least as important as the 'Having' - and often times much more important.