A young man in Masonry receives many invaluable gifts and experiences that he should always cherish, for me the on of the most invaluable gifts that I truly cherish are those brethren who have lived many of years more than myself. The lessons they have taught me I will never forget and often times remind me of characteristics I believe is necessary of a Mason, that I should never neglect. Those brethren are often times two even three times my age, which many would presume would leave a generational gap, but for what they continue to do for me I consider them the best of friends.
I have never thought of myself as one to brag, as far as Masonry I believe my excitement and pride overwhelms me, but a brother Mason well beyond my years reminded me to always be humble. One evening, a group of Masons assembled to support the local Order of Rainbow Girls Chapter at an inspection. I had and still do on occasion attended Rainbow functions dressed in Class A Commandery uniform, and always share my Commandery name, office and attempt to explain the uniform.
We each wore the regalia of a Masonic body in town, and at the start of the meeting the Mother Advisor asked us to stand so we could be recognized by all in attendance.
As we rose the first brother to speak, one of the most decorated Masons I have ever had the privilege to know, a 50+ year Mason with more accolades than everyone else in the room combined says to the lodge “My name is Bob and I am a Master Mason.” To the young ladies about to be inspected this did not mean much, but the Masons in the room were rather taken back. The man who we all admire and look up to refused to acknowledge any of his hard work and dedication that he has given to Masonry over his many years of service.
While the others waited on me to introduce myself I could not help but lose myself in thought. I thought back to when I began my journey in Masonry, the presentation of the White Leather Apron in the Entered Apprentice Degree and all the lessons of the Masters Degree. In my head I remembered hearing the Masters words “There is no higher honor…” After my thought, I answered, “My name is Jason, and I too am a Master Mason.” The rest of the brothers assembled in the room did the same. While something rather small I will always be so grateful for instances such as that one, reminding me of how to conduct myself in life.
Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness, and patience
Well said Brother, well said!