I Am a Mason in Motion

 

Today, I took part in supporting one of our Masonic charities and became a little better and healthier man for it.

Today I participated in the 13^th Annual Goldies Run at the University of Minnesota. This is an annual fund raiser to support the pediatric patients with heart disease at Masonic Children’s Hospital.

Goldy’s run is one of the first early Spring running events in the area, so it’s a great way to get out of the house after a long winter’s hibernation, for a shakeout run to get you in the right mindset for the running season.

Mother nature played an April Fools joke on us by dumping 8 inches of snow two days before the race, making running conditions icy, slippery, not exactly ideal…but hey this is Minnesota!

The 5K course took us thru the campus while the 10K course went thru the campus and along the Mississippi River. For anyone who had attended the University of MN, we saw all the hallowed landmarks of the U that brought back many memories. The finish line was on the 50-yard line of Huntington Bank Stadium.

Standing with 7000 registered runners at the starting line, I had a lot of emotions running thru my head.  I was anxious, excited all while hoping the last ten months of hard work, would pay off for me.

My journey to the starting line started ten months ago when I stepped out of the shower and looked in the mirror. That prompted me to get on the dreaded bathroom scale.

Being mildly shocked by the number displayed, I knew I had to do something if I wanted to maintain my health. I believe at that moment, I directly applied one of the Masonic teachings we learn to arrive with a solution.

I have always believed that Freemasonry takes good men, and makes them better by teaching them valuable lessons, so the individual can directly apply those lessons to their lives. In essence, self-help, but with more.

The tool I applied to myself, was introspection or self-examination. Then I determined my needs and methods to achieve results.

I started by visiting my doctor and consulting with her. My proposed solution was to move more and eat less. Follow a sensible diet called “My Plate” and exercise. My plan met with her full endorsement, although to be honest, I think she was skeptical.

My journey took ten months, and I lost 90 pounds. To exercise, I started riding my bicycle, then I started walking and running.  Today I ran my first 5K run with 7,000 others, who I imagine are all on their own journeys. .

Running for a guy receiving Social Security benefits isn’t easy, and I can see that there is room for improvement, but I finished in the top 2500 runners, is nothing to sneeze at either.

In case you are wondering. I finished 29 in my age group and yes, I was passed by four students who were members of the marching band and carrying tubas. But I finished and thus the journey continues.

I am now a Mason in Motion and, I hope, in a way, an inspiration or example for any other Masons.  The journey begins with that first thought and then that first step.  

A Way of Life

The other organizations you pay your money and you become a member of the Moose, Elks, Lions, PTA, and The Joe Mauer Fan club. You get a dues card in the mail. Maybe you go to a meeting or a sponsored event maybe you don’t….but you’re a dues paying member.

Freemasonry is very different. Right up front we as an organization proclaim;

“Making Good Men Better”

In Freemasonry our Ritualistic teaching provides the tools, the teachings, the support, the incentives to make Masonry “A way of Life” Pure and Simple.

It is the roll of the Lodge and its members to make full fledged active Masons, not just a member.

Other organizations are not interested in you or your conduct when you’re not attending one of their meetings. But as a Mason you are a Mason 24/7, 365 days a year, always! Everything you say, everything you do, every life you touch reveals how successfully you have made Masonry a Way of Life.

As a Candidate you immerse yourself into the Masonic Society and Culture. You learn and are Mentored the teachings and the Masonic Ways. You grow into your new role, your new role grows in you. These new teachings and customs become you. You practice it and the more you practice it the better you get at it. Your goal is Progress not Perfection. For Freemasonry is a journey, not a destination. Now Think about it. Your life is a journey because your ultimate destination in life is the grave.

In Freemasonry we take an obligation that is our life guiding principils knelling at an Alter in front of witnesses’ .These are real promises to do things and not to do to others. THEY ARE NOT SYMBOLIC!

We promise we WILL always help, aid, and assist. Not if we feel like it or sometimes….maybe but always.

We promise we will NOT cheat, wrong or defraud. Not a Mason, not a lodge brother, not a friend, not a relative not a stranger…..no one!

Now I don’t think my daughter did this when she joined Green Peace, and I know my Uncle didn’t even do this when he joined the NRA.

Freemasonry is a place where good men accept our tools, ways, and customs and joins our Society. The new Brother is active in the lodge’s activities. We find the new Brother taking Ritual and Leadership positions in the lodge. That is how we can tell when the Lodge is effectively working.

I think it is the Lodges ultimate goal is the day they raise a new brother and keep him active and improving so he can receive his 50 year pin. The lodge is a place where we live and grow old together.

Freemasonry is a not for everyone it’s a way of life.

I wrote this several years ago and used it in Speeches, and thought its time for others to read this....