Chaplain’s Message – November 2019

Autumn season has arrived; we see the sudden color changes in foliage, the increasing activity of animals and plants to prepare for the winter season, and the dropping numbers in temperature, an obvious indicator that nothing escapes the natural laws of impermanence. We just must pay close attention to every moment, and to be aware of this constant change which not only happens outside, but inside of us as well. Heraclitus of Ephesus (535 – 475 BC), a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, said it best: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

November 13th will be our Election of Officers. The elected and appointed Officers will change. The Lodge will elect the Officers who most members feel are right for this time period, and the Senior Warden will select those appointed Officers who he feels can best serve in their places. Wherever the “chips” fall, let’s all get behind those selected, and make 2020 a great year for Washington Lodge #46.

I urge all Past Master’s to support these new officers. I know as a Past Master that we all look back at our year as Worshipful Master and feel good about the job that we and our Officers did. We feel that way because the time was right for us then. It was our time to lead. Now, it is the new Officers time to lead, and prepare to lead Washington Lodge into the future, so we should release the reigns, and let the new Officers see what they can do.

On November 11, we observe Veterans Day, honoring all members of the US Armed Forces. Originally designated to commemorate the end of World War I, we now honor all veterans of all branches of the American Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine. All these men and women have given of themselves in many ways, some giving the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, it is proper to honor them all. If you see a service man or woman, let them know you appreciate their service. Let us implore the Great Architect of the Universe to protect the members of our Armed Forces as they are protecting us, wherever in the world they may be serving. May He bring them back home and out of harm’s way to their families and friends!

WB Ken Hall, Chaplain, WA #46, 2019