On a
daily basis at work I deal with the digital world and many times the same can
be said when conducting business for the lodge between meetings as many of the
records, correspondences, and other tasks are largely completed on the
computer. However, paper still prevails in the world of Freemasonry. That is
the way it has always been and that is the way that things will remain in the
future. And, unlike some people I know, I am perfectly fine with this.
Actually
it is a rather nice respite from many of my daily tasks to revert back to the
physical world. After all, there is a reality to paper that I still don’t get
from the words and forms that shuffle across my desktop. And this is the world
that I lived in for a few hours this week as I got caught up on many of the
letters, forms, and cards that I have been meaning to complete and hand to the
postman.
While
there is usually a lot of catch up that needs to be done in the updating of
records and other digital endeavors, there are times when things need to be
done by hand. Even many of the things that I do complete on the computer need
to exist in the physical world. This is especially true during weeks when I
know there is a lodge meeting quickly approaching. After all, dues cards are
still actual cards, many members still prefer to receive their notice in the
mail, and because of fact that we don’t have computers or cell phones on during
the meetings, all information must be present in black and white organized on
my desk for easy access.
I
know that there is now an entire generation that doesn’t understand this
concept but there is something relaxing about turning off all those
distractions from the outside world and focusing on what is going on within the
walls of the lodge. However, in speaking with some of the recent petitioners
this is actually appealing to them as well. Seems as though more and more
people are noticing the information overload that exists just below our thumbs
as we flip through the apps, pages, and emails on our cell phones. It has
become an addictive habit rather than a convenience.
It
is this dichotomy that helps me to appreciate the time during which I grew up
and the way that I was raised. While exposed to computers (and typing) early
on, I was given the option of writing all of my assignments by hand for about
95% of the classes during grade school. Even in college I would write early
drafts and edit both creative and academic assignments by hand before typing
the final draft. I have always lived between the physical and digital worlds
and I am now at a point in life when I am really starting to appreciate both
ways of life. Even if I still prefer pulling out a fountain pen, I definitely
appreciate the conveniences of technology. After all, you are reading this on
my blog.
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