Today was travel day, from Minneapolis to Grand Rapids. It took the customary amount of time, so I'm here and settled in. While in transit I took some time to reflect on my beginnings and where I have arrived today as a result of my Membership in the Worlds oldest Fraternity. I knew going in that there would be a constant change of heart, and if you are truly listening to the lessons, which cause me to pause each time I hear them, you will ultimately change to fit the course they direct. That is if they are more than words, and you take the time to listen, study and understand the deep meaning behind them. Masonry has taken good men in since its inception even before 1717, and allowed them to grow together, a mystic bond, and set regulations by which their conduct would be guided. The several obligations, bound by divine faith, show us the way to cleaner living, happier associations and introspection of ourselves. Is it no wonder that young men today desire to join, knowing more when they get to the outer door, than most who are inside. These men want to be MASONS. They want to belong to an organization larger than themselves, and be treated with the same dignity as men of old. No more production line workers, 25 year employees, no petty bickering about buildings, or money, or repetitious business meetings. or ham sandwiches. They want black tie events, occasional family participation, and to be educated in the ways a man should think, act and live, just like our brethren of old. They don't want it the way its always been done (for the past 40 years) They want the way it was done 100 yrs ago, the honorable men of the craft enjoying and teaching each other. In a changing world, lets dust off our obligations, recall them, relearn them and start living them again..... lets be civil in an uncivil society.
