A Thought on Giving
The very best Seasons Greeting to one and all. We are all starting a new year with hope and great expectations for the future of Oregon Masonry. Most lodges are changing their leadership so let’s hope that those moving up have learned their lessons well. I hope you use the dark season wisely and find time to work on your studies, and ritual.
Perhaps the virtue most associated with this festive season is ‘giving’. Masons are no strangers to the art of giving, for that is what it is, an art. Most ‘ordinary’ people give presents to their loved ones, to close friends and colleagues, and sometimes to themselves. This is fun and fine, and most of us enjoy giving, when we are not fretting over if we got the right size or colour. But Masons are used to a far broader spectrum of giving. We give of or abilities, our time, even our treasure on a continuous basis. In fact, aside from fraternity, it is probably our number one raison de etre.
Masons realize that the real spirit of ‘giving’ is much broader than the one usually attendant to the Yule Festival. Holiday and religious aspects aside, what does giving mean to us? What are the most ‘valuable’ gifts we can be given? The most valuable we can give?
Many seem to have lost the true meaning of giving. Of course they are abetted by the commercialist temptations of the retail market, Black Fridays and Sales, Sales, Sales! What mortal can resist? However, that is not the true meaning of giving, or even the season of giving, no matter what your religion or creed, no, not by a long shot.
Masons give because it is their very nature. All lodges, rites, and appendant bodies are dedicated to at least one charity or worthy cause, often to several. We select them with care and discernment, helping where we can do the best work and help the most needy. We are also telling others that we cherish their efforts and wish to assist them as best we can. This can at times be frustrating. There are always more worthy causes than we can get to. We just do our best, and most of the time that isn’t half bad!
The best gifts that I have ever received have been those thoughtful ones, the ones that come from the heart. They are not the biggest, or the most expensive, or the most fashionable. They are the ones that say to me, “We have thought about this a lot, and I hope it tells you how much we respect and appreciate you.” These are things that can be treasured forever. Remember this always, especially when giving to those nearest and dearest.
Try answering the above questions yourself. It is always for you to decide, and it is never too late. Your answers will tell you a lot about Masonry, about your life, and a great deal about yourself.
Now, where did I leave all those lumps of coal?
May your gods go with you,
Brother Roland Lakey,
Chaplain, Washington No. 46
Slainte!
