Greetings Brethren,
There is a sign in my home that my wife had painted some years ago and it states, “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” All these years of it hanging on the wall, I have never given it a second thought. For some reason today, maybe through divine providence or just a case of dumb luck, I was able to draw a correlation between the teachings of Freemasonry and this statement. My new way of seeing life has been forever changed by the teachings of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry gives us a blueprint, a way of thinking, symbols, and allegories to solidify these teachings. Every symbol in Freemasonry has meaning and today I have realized that it matters not, how we completed these lessons but rather we have been changed by them. Remember our teachings remind us that it is the internal and not the external qualifications of a man that we hold with high regards. Another way of saying it is “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. This wisdom can also be found in the book of Samuel “But the Lord said to Samuel, do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
What are the internal and external qualifications of a man? External qualifications today could be related to height, strength, fitness, beauty, status, finances, your home, your car, and other materialistic qualities. Examples of internal qualifications include empathy, kindness, integrity, commitment, humility, and respect. Thus, focusing on the internal qualifications allows every member of our lodge the same respect and dignity a brother deserves. Many disagreements and quarrels may be averted, and peace and harmony can be maintained just by focusing on improvement in your internal qualifications. According to our closing charge we meet upon the level, act by the plumb and part by the square. I hope by highlighting this our lodge can become more productive, involved, and we can focus on the most important aspects of our brethren.
Fraternally,
WM Rudy Hatala