I am getting old; for which I am grateful. It is much better than pushing up daisies in an overgrown churchyard. I still have many things to enjoy and take pleasure in, though needing glasses, false teeth and hearing aids makes getting started in the morning somewhat slower.
Lodges too grow old and of what possible use, is a Lodge that has become deaf to the demands of new times, stiff, blind and cantankerous; only looking back to how things used to be, resisting change, stifling the efforts and ambitions of a new generation?
We all like the comfort of the familiar and we can sometimes resent change
and new ways of doing things. “We’ve always done it that way… “
Youngsters sometimes like to do things differently – just because they like
to do things differently.
We need to distinguish those things that belong to our generation
and those things that have an abiding value – which could perhaps be
called the ancient usages and landmarks.
If age brings wisdom, it is surely that we should hand on core values and then graciously accept that a new generation paints with new colours, in new ways, on different canvases even though, sometimes, we don’t like the results.
We should celebrate the journey of our Lodge thus far; revel with pride and satisfaction in what has been done well. Celebrate what was achieved. Take pride in being members of a Lodge with a long tradition and learn from the important lessons on that journey.
In 2020 we have experienced extraordinary times with a worldwide pandemic (as did our brothers in 1918 and 1920 when perhaps 50 million people died of flu worldwide). As yet, we cannot see what the future will bring and how different things will be. Whatever, we will pick up the task again and begin writing a new history.
As Masons and members of the Lodge of Friendship we should: -
Take pride in the work of the Lodge by discharging our offices to the very best of our abilities;
Bring to the Lodge and our brethren a reflection of that Light and Love which is the nature of our Creator.
Hand on to a future generation those Masonic mysteries which are at the heart of our work.
Perpetuate that warmth, generosity and humanity that should always distinguish us as men and as Masons;
Maintain in their fullest splendour those truly Masonic ornaments, benevolence and charity.
John Winstanley September 2020
PS: be kind to old folks !
