In the hustle of life’s demands, it can be easy to rush through things to get to our end goals. I’ve seen this idea manifest itself multiple times: wishing away the school year to get to summer, wanting to be a year older (at least until reaching our twenties and then the sentiment seems to reverse), or seeking advancement in a career until one day it hits you that your kiddos are growing up and going to college. We often overlook important moments due to distractions, stress, and fleeting emergencies. All this is not meant to reflect regret – it is a part of the natural order of things, and an observation that I hope helps at least one of my readers.
Reflecting on this, I also realize that the memories I hold most dear or the things that I am most proud of did not happen overnight. The teachers I remember are the ones that pushed me and were tough. The achievements that are most meaningful are the ones that took a lot of work and were not just handed to me. My closest and most meaningful friendships have an investment of time, and a special spark that caused resonance between like-minded individuals. I now understand that teachers were tough because they believed in me, that the pursuit is often more memorable than the reward, and relationships take time.
I’ve observed that rain and challenges faced on motorcycle trips can be memorable, reminding us that we are alive. Though not ideal at the time, these experiences often bring a smile when remembered. It’s interesting how small moments can grow into deeply meaningful memories. Many of my fond memories originate from lodge involvement. Memories of drills from a dear friend taking the time to coach a set of rookies on Cycle Patrol parade routines, games of Munchkin and breakfasts after a session of studying for proficiency, watching NFL on the big screen with Brothers while enjoying biscuits and gravy or Sunday morning chili, taking a chance road trip to pick up a Harley with a new friend, and of laughing while painting and dressing up a lodge are just a few examples that fill my cup and make my heart swell with joy.
When our candidates knock on our door, they each seek something within our walls. As much as they yearn to understand what that is, a lodge makes a commitment to help them find it. Learning from my own experiences, there are some considerations I would ask each of us to consider.
First: despite our desire to accelerate the natural order of things, we need to coach our candidates and new members to take their time. It is important that they get to know their blue lodges and the people that are in it before becoming too concerned with appendant bodies or getting pulled into the management concerns of the progressive line. Despite the demands and pressures that cause us to overlook this need, we rob our candidates and new members when we fall into the trap of overextending the new guys early in their Masonic journey. What’s more, it might cause perception of a cheapened honor that the lodge bestows on that Brother when they decide to elevate him for a brief time as the lodges’ Worshipful Master. This decision should not be taken lightly by any lodge.
Sadly, I have lost a lot of friends to burn-out based on these behaviors. WB Reed and I had a nice discussion about these themes in Episode #59 of the MN Masonic Histories and Mysteries podcast. Please check it out.
Second: Expectations should be set immediately that joining a lodge takes work. For whatever reason, I expected that I would be doing memory work as a candidate. It was not even a question. Perhaps rooted in family expectations or my time with the scouts, I was prepared for this. I love my job as LEO because I understand the value of education – wherever it may come from. Further, there is no greater reward than inspiration or the pride that comes with a job well done. In my opinion, accessibility to the treasure of education is one of the differentiators of Freemasonry.
Expanding on that, it is true that we all have different abilities. We should take time and reflect on the importance memory. We should coach those who seek out our lodge the importance of thinking. We are here to think. We are here to learn. Memory work is not only about “sharpening the saw”, it also the cornerstone to understanding a concept well enough to reflect on it. We could all benefit from spending more time reflecting on the meaning of our stories and symbols. Without this understanding, much of the lodges’ value is missed. Our doors are closed until a candidate knocks – isn’t there good reason for this? For lodges to be healthy, we should be mindful of who is truly prepared to receive our mysteries, wonders and gifts.
Third: We should not align a new candidate with a random mentor. Mentoring should not be solely about helping a candidate through memory work – it should be treated as a relationship. As important as making sure a candidate finds the right lodge is the importance of making sure they find Brothers with common interests. This resonance helps build the relationships and friendships many seek. Without it, attending lodge can quickly become routine and mundane; forgetting about Brotherhood and focusing purely on the business.
If you have been in the craft for a while, are you giving the gift of your time for more than business meetings? Are you sharing who you truly are and what makes you special with your Brothers? Money can always be re-earned, but time is one of the most precious gifts we can all give.
In summary, special things take investment and do not happen overnight. Recently, I traveled 1600 miles in 3 days with a group of my trusted Minnesota Brothers. I had enough experience to push myself, and enough solid relationships to know I’d be taken care of once we arrived. While on our travels, we visited Masonic Island in North Dakota – an echo of the past, and investment of our future. It reflects our ongoing works and mysteries. If you have opportunity to visit, I recommend it.
What are we each doing to promote learning in our lodges? Are we doing the type of work that will set our spirits free and give honor to our creator? If so, then we are making deep meaning in others’ lives. If not, please reflect on how that can be changed.
As always, if I can be of help, please do not hesitate to call on me. I would love to hear from you. In the meantime, travel well my Brothers.
Fraternally,
Brad