Sunday Search: Restarting Our Tradition

Our newsletter will look nothing like this!

Years ago my wife and I would pull together a holiday newsletter recapping the previous year which was always well received by family and friends especially those that we hadn’t seen in a while. This was in lieu of a card and was usually mailed sometime between Hanukkah and Christmas each year. The last time that we pulled one of these together was in December of 2012… it has been some time since we took part in this tradition and we are determined this year to once again send out a family newsletter albeit a little later than in the past.

When we decided that we were going to restart this tradition the question that we had to answer was whether we would return to the format that we used before or would we take the opportunity to pack in three years of updates into a single, long, mailer. There certainly wasn’t a shortage of content from the previous twelve months and most people to whom we would be sending the newsletter read this blog on a regular basis. However, even given those two things we decided to go ahead and offer quick updates in a variety of categories encompassing the past three years but focusing primarily on this past year.

We had actually planned on getting this out last month but time has not been kind to us over the past several weeks which has left this project on the back burner. To be honest, this is primarily my fault as much of the content I will be pulling from and condensing from this blog. My wife has already created the template and written the sections that would simply be inappropriate for me to write so now the onus is completely on me. Thankfully, we have both been able to update our address books so that part is taken care of as well.

I know that many of you are looking at this as yet another project on the inexhaustible list of items but this is an important part of our own tradition and what we want to have marking each year as a family. Plus, for me it is the summary that everyone seems to ask for understandably not wanting to sift through the hundreds of posts from the previous year. This is our opportunity to look back on, reflect, and report to those we care about what life has been like for us the previous year. And, down the road, in addition to being a simple addition to the family history files, it will be a great reminder for us all of the things that we both enjoyed and survived in 2015.

Prayers, Candles, and Presents

A couple of nights ago we started Hanukkah a little early. Over the last month we had bought a few too many toys for our son so we figured we would begin part of the evening routine a couple of days prior. He didn’t really know what to make of it but he was happy with what we got him and seeing that smile made the few extra dollars seem like the bargain of the century. After all, this is his first Hanukkah and we want to make it a little more special so we have tried to make it as fun as possible while setting the ground work for a new holiday tradition.

We are starting this tradition as a family… just the three of us this year. Throughout the weekend, my wife and I made enough brisket to last for the eight nights and we made sure, beginning tonight, to light the candles with the proper blessings. It is only after the candles are lit, which our son seems to enjoy in and of itself, when we go back into the office closet and pull out the next toy for our son to play with. Reading the transliteration in front of our son know that, at one point I could read the Hebrew, reignited my desire to learn this beautiful language.

There is something calming about slowing down for a few moments, reading the prayers, and carefully lighting each candle. It really allows all three of us to just be in the moment while we enjoy our faith as a family. This followed by the happiness in our son’s face as he played with the toys (and the boxes that they came in) are really what makes this a special time of year and I look forward to sharing with him more and more about the holiday and the significance that it holds.

Of course, there is also another fun part of the evening as I was able to hide the small gifts that I have been accumulating over the past several weeks from my wife. Well, most of them are small. While the vast majority were clearance finds or daily deals, I was also able to find something that I had been meaning to get for her for some time now. Thankfully the camera that I was looking at went on sale and I was able to stay within budget. So now, each night, we will have images to accompany our memories and, most importantly, I might have made up, at least a little bit, for my mistakes during her birthday.

And now, with the candles having long since faded, and my wife and son sleeping, I am sitting here writing this and looking forward to the rest of the Hanukkah holiday. I am so glad that we are able to have this experience throughout the week and I can’t wait to see the smiles every evening. And, just think, it only gets better from here.

A Different Kind Of Weekend Trip

Like many people in the Philadelphia area, I grew up going to the Jersey shore during the summer. Over the years, especially in recent years, I have strayed away from those annual journeys to the coast. In fact, I have successfully avoided New Jersey as a whole with only two other exceptions in the last two years. This weekend my wife and I returned to one of those coastal islands albeit a different location than what I am used to.

The plans were made weeks ago right after we announced our pending arrival so that we could spend some time away from home with my wife’s father, sister, and sister-in-law. So, after work on Friday (thankfully I was able to leave a little earlier than usual), I got in the car and make the trek across the foreign land of New Jersey to join my wife on Long Beach Island. Having arrived at a surprisingly reasonable time, I was able to relax before we all sat down for dinner amidst the soft splashing of the bay water against the dock.   

With a full night of sleep behind us, we got up on Saturday morning for a hearty breakfast before heading out on the boat for a mid-day ride across the bay…
 

Of course, with only a few clouds scattered throughout the sky…

…we were not the only ones on the water enjoying the calm water.

After about an hour and a half on the water (and no one getting sick) we slowly returned to the house to spend the rest of the day on land relaxing in the sun and the cool breeze blowing through the minimalistic rooms carrying the light scents of freshly cut flowers.

The day lazily passed with short trips into town, naps on the coach, and lounging on the deck. With everyone back in the house we came together, reminiscent of the innocent (yet competitive) days from our past, to play rummy in the slowly dimming day. Having played a few hands it was time to prep for another family dinner. Having assisted where I was able, it was time for me to get out of the way and enjoy the setting sun.

Slowly the orange in the sky intensified…

…and the last vestiges of light flickered on the surface.

The seagulls made their final stops on the posts…

…before flying away to nest for the night.

Leaving only the slowly descending sun, the water, and those of us enjoying the conclusion of another day.

 

Just family, water, and another day to spend together. A rarity at this point in our lives but one that isn’t taken for granted like it may have been in the past. Just the warmth of the sunset glowing throughout the bay and a shared moment before departing this morning.

Make The Time To Sign A Bible!

Upon receiving my third degree, I went around to all the officers and had them sign on the appropriate line in my Masonic Bible. We all share this same experience and it carries with it great meaning and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It is a record that we will hand down for generations.

While I haven’t been a member of the brotherhood for very long, I have had the privilege of having been on the other side of this tradition as well. It is a different feeling when you are the one signing your name. However, I consider it a great honor not just to fill in as an officer during a conferral but to have my name as a part of someone’s family history.

To be able to share in that moment in a Mason’s life is something that I don’t take lightly. It is also something that I encourage every brother to do. Even if you are simply present it demonstrates the commitment that we have to one another no matter how long a fellow Mason has been a member of the fraternity.

As you continuing enjoying your summer (hopefully taking some of my previous points into consideration) and begin to plan for the fall, I ask that you set aside some time every month (every week if possible) and participate in as many conferrals possible. This is particularly important to new members as it builds experience and brotherhood within the lodge. These are the moments that truly bridge the generational gap not only due to the diversity of those entering the craft but also as witnesses to the transformation that we all experienced.

Be there to help your new brother rise. Take this time and embrace it as it can also help you stay upright and remind you of your commitment. The light may be new to some but it shines on all of us and its radiance is never brighter than during this momentous time as a man becomes a Mason. 

To read more about the importance of the Masonic Bible and to increase your Masonic knowledge please visit the St. John's Lodge No. 1 website and read about the George Washington Inaugural Bible (still in use by the lodge to this day).