This is a revised version of my original Blog Post: "Let Us Not Be Distracted" in which I initially shared my views on distractions we face as we travel the paths of our respective masonic journey's. I took the opportunity of the turmoil that arose at the Grand Lodge of Texas Annual Communication and Installation of Officers to remind everyone that we are each on our own mission, we must each face our own trials, and we must remain focused on our goals and our ultimate destinations.
Literally, as I posted the article in my blog on my website the Grand Master issued a letter which added facts I had not previously known. So I've read the Grand Master's letter and I decided to modify my original blog post to ensure I am addressing the known facts of the situation and that this post makes sense in that context. As my editing progressed, I realized my normal style using an imaginary exemplar brother as the subject of a scenario I created to convey an opinion or belief (yes, an allegory) was not going to work in a case such as this where there are many unique and specific facts as well as many assumed/believed aspects that may or may not have some truth in them. My only real option now for this post is to describe my thoughts and intentions using myself as the exemplar - in other words "here's what I am going to do".
Having watched enough YouTube, read enough FaceBook threads, and digested the information and directions in the Grand Master's letter, I suppose the bottom line for how I process the situation and how I intend to respond is this - "no matter what happens 'in Waco' I will guard my masonic journey, and my masonic objectives at all costs while I find suitable ways to react and respond that are substantive and hopefully meaningful. My bottom line is that if I were to walk away from the craft or otherwise take actions that jeopardized my standing and my journey, then I have no hope of being heard at a time or a place where my word as a master mason may be needed and may have a real chance of influencing events of the near or distant future.
Like many brothers I am not at all pleased with the situation that has come about. I fear there is real danger of a fracture within our craft and that danger has landed squarely on our doorstep. But in my opinion, and that's all I ever write (my opinions), the [self] destruction of my own masonic journey will not stop or even slightly impact the actions and events unfolding in Waco and worse, it could prevent me from being part of the long-term solutions and future of our fraternity here in Texas.
I plan to remain focused on my lodges and on my objectives while doing all the good that I can do for the brethren and for our new and prospective masons. I will try to apply discipline to my words and actions so not to lose the value of my most prized commodity - my word as master mason. And when or where an opportunity arises that I might make a meaningful contribution I will call upon the lessons I've learned along the path of my journey to make things better for our future in our craft, in our lodges, and in our relationships between brothers.
I will NOT let the actions of others, no matter how maddening they may be, lure me off of my path and away from my role and contribution to the future of our Grand West. I will not be tempted or guided by my emotions into actions that might devalue or remove my word as a master mason from the coming debates on the future of our fraternity and forfeit any possible opportunities that may arise to contribute to a statement of our common expectations for the future leadership of our wonderful craft.
It is up to each of us to measure the extent of our passions, define the limits of our due bounds, and then work within those limits to effect any outcome(s) we desire. Step carefully, step purposefully, labor intently, and at all time be ready to contribute to our brightly lit future, wielding your word as a master mason on behalf and in defense of your brothers. Do not give up, do not give in, and above all, do not engage in emotional reactions that jeopardize your journey, your years of labor, and your rightful place in the future of our fraternity.
I think that's probably a lot, maybe too many words to say "brethren, let us not be distracted", but our due attention to the ashlar's we are creating and perfecting is still required, maybe now more than ever. So my brethren, let us continue in our quarries until such time as we can appropriately and effectively speak and labor together for the good of the order.
I will close this by sharing my "pillow theory". The "pillow theory" is this: "at the end of the
day, when you lay your head on your pillow, can you drift off easily to sleep knowing you have done right by the craft, right by your brothers, and right by yourself and your journey?" As long as the answer is yes to all three questions, and as long as your brothers are also doing their own pillow checks, masonry, our Grand Lodge, your lodge, and your journey will be fine. Time waits for no man, so I ask you please, get beyond this distraction and focus your attention on your path and the journey that lies ahead, and let yourself be comfortable with labors and your actions when it's time to lay your head on your pillow at the end of the day!
Thank you my brothers and please... sleep well!
Bro. Bill
Very well spoken Hon Sir.