I am a people watcher. More especially, I read them. Real or Fake. Lip service or real intent. We are a product of our Environment. If we are living a spiritual life, with time for meditation and contemplation, then we are different than those who live in a chaotic world of always trying to keep up with those around them, best cars, fancy houses, newest computer or smart phone. Add to that a dependency on these things and reliance on material objects, and the recipe for obsessive compulsive disorder is ripe for growth. A moderation in all things is necessary to have a tempered existence, void of offense to God and Man. I was recently sitting in the Airport people watching, and several walked by or stood exhibiting the attributes that I have long since abandoned. Chewing gum with your mouth open, coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth. Talking when others have not finished speaking. Feeling like your opinion is the only correct one. Seeing those around you as inferior, or recognizing them as such, and being ignorant about it. Talking negative about others within hearing distance of the person. The list goes on and on. It was setting off all kinds of triggers of old pet peeves and habits long since abandoned.
Thank goodness that all of us Masonic Brothers have learned, to subdue our passions, and improve ourselves in Masonry. We have learned to vindicate a brothers character behind his back, as well as before his face. To extend our reach of help to all who require it, to promote harmony among each other, always building up, never tearing down those relationships we have cemented.
I am glad to live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, someplace special. Yes, we have most of the societal ills right here, but they are not constantly bombarding us. Folks are a little kinder, more tolerant, make do with what they have, and trust each other to a fault. Growing up was so much easier, not having to worry about the abusive character living next door. Really, the only thing you had to worry about was getting your behind whacked for misbehaving, an art that worked extremely well on me in my younger years. Course correction I prefer to call it.
While we live in a constantly changing society, we will have to be tolerant of those who are not of like mind as us, but that does not mean we have to abandoned the way we were raised, nor the values instilled in use. They are just as important for the younger generation to hear from us, as it is for us to understand their way of thinking and values.
We truly are a product of our environment...... I'm just saying.
