Back To Ardmore… Finally!

I didn’t realize until recently how long it had been since I was last at the lodge… I think it had been over a month as the last two meetings weren’t in Ardmore. Obviously, I had to make the time and head down there even though we were still readjusting at home after our vacation. Thankfully, having quick caught up at the office, I was able to get on the road and down to the main line in plenty of time.

When I pulled in I didn’t see any of the usual cars in the lot. I pretty much wrote it off as being a little earlier than usual and proceeded to make my way across the street to clean out the mailbox which was clearly not happy about my recent absence. After corralling the postal overflow and sorting out the items for another day, I put everything in my bag next to my laptop and headed to the front door of the lodge.

Still locked, I opened the door and was immediately hit with a wave of heat from within the walls of the building. No lights were on and the hall was in a bit of disarray. I had forgotten that the kitchen was being renovated during these hot and quite months. Walking to the back of the building it was an interesting sight to see the now blank canvass with new wires already installed. I was surprised and happy to see the progress that had been made thus far.

After about 15 minutes it was unusual to still be the only one in the building so I pulled out my phone and made a few calls. It turns out that the kitchen was not the only thing that had slipped my mind. The brethren would not be returning to Ardmore this month and instead attending the district school in Paoli. I returned after a month away only to find that no one was going to be there. However, I took the opportunity while on the phone to coordinate a few mail related items (i.e. someone to pick up the plethora of packages during the day) and double check the schedule for the remainder of the month.

I guess it is going to be quieter than usual until August. Well, at least on Tuesday nights, there is still plenty of work to be done and projects that need to be completed. But, for now, it was time to head home much earlier than I was expecting.

Why Hello There Fall!

How long before we see this again? October? September? 

This past week there was a meteorological snafu. For some reason fall decided to visit in the middle of August as the daily highs topped out in the high 70’s and low 80’s. Now don’t get me wrong, I love fall, it may be my favorite time of year but this is a little ridiculous.

I have certain expectations during the summer especially in August. While I don’t look forward to it I anticipate frequent sweating and a mild disturbance in my mood. I am a little thrown off when my brow is bone dry and my marbles are cool and comfortable.

However, in the long run, if this is global warming I am happy to purchase a case of aerosol cans to ensure the longevity of this pattern. Al Gore said that we have to do our part and I am certainly willing to do so if it means bring summer to a premature end. After all, he is doing his part too. Remember, it is our duty to bring an end to swamp pants. So everyone please do your part and save the planet.

I hope to see more of the Facebook posts from friends that I read this week. Love letters to a refreshing day that make us long for the splendor that awaits us in the turning of the calendar’s pages; reminders of the simple pleasures that accompany the comfort of transitional seasons. More posts like this one I came across on Wednesday:

“Dear Glorious Fall Day - Why hello there! I think you might be a bit early, but I hope to be seeing more of you in the near future. Counting down the days to pumpkin spiced chai and boots. Oh yes.”

I don’t know about the Chai and boots but I am looking forward to more frequent visits from our Fall friend. Unlike the Summer house guest that won’t leave and insists on bringing their pestering insect friends and won’t let you walk around barefoot without getting third degree burns, Fall is a pleasant albeit temporary roommate that that opens the doors and cools the body as they awaken the senses to the aroma of fruit orchards and the breathtaking kaleidoscope of transforming trees. I would much rather have Summer’s stay cut short so that Fall could move in early.

Hopefully this new weather pattern holds up and we can all begin to relax in this early season. Maybe this early arrival will bring about prolonged fall. Of course, it could just mean that winter will arrive early too and really mess things up. Either way I am fine with it so long as it doesn’t get hot again until next year. I guess we will find out.

Mason Vacation?

During the months of July and August we all, like many of the basic cable TV networks, take a break from our regularly scheduled programming. As the heat of summer increases we take some time off to spend time with family. But what about our fraternal family?

Even though we are away from the lodge for a couple of months doesn’t mean we should distance ourselves from our brothers. In fact, this should be a time when we reach out to those whom we have not seen for some time and those that may be suspended. We should take advantage of this time of year to bring the lodge together and strengthen the brotherhood.

As many of you know, brothers new to the fraternity have an opportunity in their first year to demonstrate their commitment, leadership, and passion for Freemasonry. One of the requirements outlined is for them to assist the Lodge Secretary in reaching out to members who are in danger of being suspended. Having new members conduct this outreach with their Masonic motivation still fresh in their mind is a great way to motivate absent members who may have lost sight of why they made the transition from man to Mason. Of course, this outreach should also be expanded to those who have already been suspended.

An additional, and optional, requirement is for new Masons to reach out to brothers who have, for whatever reason, not been to lodge in the last six months. Maybe a brother has lost his Masonic light. Maybe they just needed to make the time and needed a little extra push to attend. In my opinion, and I am sure this is shared by many of my fellow brothers, that these are all brothers in need and within the length of a cable tow making it our duty to help them in any way we can.

Also keep in mind that summer is a time when people move. Keep an ear open to any brothers that may be new to the area, reach out to them, and introduce them to other brothers in the area. Let them know that fraternity has no boarders.

Another focus for all Brothers during this break in the Masonic year should be education. We must all do what we can to increase our Masonic knowledge. Whether you are looking to go through the chairs, earn additional degrees, or simply want to increase your knowledge this is an optimal time to sharpen your mind and prepare for when meetings resume.

Lastly, I encourage you spend time with other brothers outside of the lodge during these next two months. Get a group together for a happy hour. Create a fellowship event (maybe include some of the aforementioned suggestions). Bring your families together for dinner or some kind of family friendly activity such as a baseball game, movie, museum, or a day trip to the beach.

Remember, fraternity is not limited by the walls of a lodge.    

What are your plans for a Masonic summer?