With another decade now in front of us, I would like to share a few thoughts shared with me in another venue: a few thoughts offered that can perhaps, keep us all focused and inspired in our journey–to more “Light in Masonry” in the coming days, months and years.
The first is Proceed with Courage. The following passage comes from noted author Mary Anne Radmacher, who writes: “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”
Remember, we as men and Masons do not have to be better than anyone else–only ourselves. And as we have only to work and improve ourselves daily, we can do this by seeking our God and asking for him to provide us with the wisdom, strength, and most of all courage to fight and persevere another day.
The next is Be Persistent. This from Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
President Coolidge was not a Freemason, but addressing the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, while Governor of that State he had this to say, “It has not been my fortune to know much of Freemasonry, but I have had the great fortune to know many Freemasons, and I have been able in that way to judge the tree by its fruits. I know of your high ideals. I have seen that you hold your meetings in the presence of the open Bible, and I know that men who observe that formality have high sentiments of citizenship, of worth and of character. That is the strength of our commonwealth and nation.
Next, is Demonstrate Grace. In this sense, grace can be defined as “courteous good will,” and speaks to humility, gratitude and an inclusive embrace.
The world around us can be both beautiful and, at times, terrifying. We alone can’t solve its problems; we can only do what we can do. We can create the destiny we want for ourselves and for this wonderful Institution that is capable of doing so much good for our us, our family, our state, and our country and its
people–indeed for humanity itself if we but only apply the principles we have been instructed of as being the core principle of our beloved Fraternity: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Many years ago, I was taught that nine simple words on this topic would suffice, “All You Can Do Is All You Can Do.”
Lastly, Practice Civility. In today’s current atmosphere this at times appears to be a strange and dying concept. Simply defined it is “…politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.” Our Brother Mason, George Washington, provides an excellent primer on the topic in his, Rules of Civility of Decent Behavior. In a more current take on the topic, journalist and author Steven Petrow, notes that stifling other’s comments, rudeness, the censuring of free speech and political correctness are not normal behaviors in a well-balanced and functioning society. In a healthy community, respect for others is tantamount. We need to de-escalate and better monitor our words, actions and deeds and return to a rule of common courtesy. One can only question, what is the magnitude of good we forego when we stop being civil—at what cost to us as individuals and as a civil society? For our own good, it would appear that we would be well served to attempt to be a little kinder and gentler with our fellow men and Masons.
Courage. Persistence. Grace. Civility. These four attitudes of mind will serve us well as we head into a new decade, on our journey toward more Light in Masonry. In closing, we quote Mary Anne Radmacher again. “As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.”
Fiat Lux
Submitted respectfully,
Terry McLeod
WM of the Mississippi Lodge of Research DCXL
