I have been a little distracted in the last couple of months with some changes in employment, vacation, etc. It is not an excuse for not writing, just noting that I had not made it a priority, which is not cool. Do what you say you are going to do, or reset expectations.
After reading a recent article from the “Mason’s Lead Better“, I was struck by a comment about continually leading and improving oneself. Specifically, the note was about Brother Benjamin Franklin and his Junto Club, also known as the Leather Apron Club. I leave it to you to go down the rabbit hole to read more about this interesting society.
I think, we as Masons, often forget that our science is designed for continual improvement. Some think this is a singular activity that can be “checked off”, as it were, once we have attained…whatever the individual expects to improve in their life. It could be just being made a Master Mason, or being a lodge officer, or participating at the latest pancake breakfast. But, I feel like that is just not enough. As we are human, and our environment, emotions and the like are in continual flux, we need to do better and continually check ourselves to ensure we are actually improving ourselves.
The Lodge provides that needed crucible to actually accomplish this task. We have a safe environment (Lodge room), with people we trust (Brothers), and ability to try out ideas and receive constructive criticism and education. This all sounds great, unless we don’t take advantage of it.
I see countless men who want to associate themselves with the square and compass, but really don’t take advantage of more than a superficial understanding of the importance of engaging with the Lodge and members. Engagement is much, much more than paying dues, attending events, or showing up to meetings. Engagement is actually working to improve ourselves by taking advantage of the tools of the Lodge. I don’t just mean the working tools, I mean the machinations of the Lodge, and our Brothers around the Lodge. When was the last time that you shared something of importance during a meeting, like an article or book you recently read? Have you met someone, or heard something that might benefit others, and shared it with your Brothers? Have you seen or heard something in Lodge that might need improvement? Have you shared this or done anything about it.
Proactively engaging is super important. It feeds both the person sharing and the person receiving the information. It is part of the process of removing vices and superfluities, and generally improving your well being.
Spend a little time reflecting on how you can help others, and yourself, by sharing your experiences. You might get some inspiration looking at these resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junto_(club)
Fraternally & Sincerely.
W
Clinton Lodge #175 
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