“We oughtta” is a phrase I sure wish I’d received a nickel for each time I’ve heard it. Men are often overflowing with ideas only to be exposed as empty on execution. Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying, “Having a vision for what you want is not enough. Vision without execution is hallucination.” Each of us had visions of what becoming a Freemason would look like, what it would feel like. I think it’s fair to say the reality is quite different from the illusion that existed in our minds before being raised. The reality is Freemasonry takes effort.
Each of us is charged with applying ourselves closely to the business of Freemasonry, both for our own credit and for that of the Lodge. Advancement is the wage of your labors. But what advancement is there to be gained by cleaning up after a meal? After applying paint to a brush and surface? After procuring supplies? After planning a Lodge event? After selling some raffle tickets? After assisting a Brother with their idea? After sitting in an unfamiliar chair during a meeting? The reality is Freemasonry takes effort.
A Freemason must dedicate his time. Sometimes the commitment is small. Other times it is overwhelming. Freemasonry should not interfere, of course, with your necessary vocations, duties to God, family and neighbor. So, no matter the amount of time that you can personally afford to expend, your participation is critical and appreciated. The future of Freemasonry and our Lodge is at stake. There are roles and jobs big and small that you can take on both inside and out. You should never be judged by how much time you give, only that you chose to give of your time. One should not boast of being a Freemason, and equally one should not coast at being a Freemason.
Like cause and effect, an idea and its execution are inseparable. Merely conceiving an idea does not result in success. The execution of an idea tests the feasibility of that idea. It is the planning. It is the starting. It is the effort that creates the outcomes we desire. Like anything we do that is valuable in life, so it is with our laudable profession. And so, Brethren new and Brethren experienced, please recognize, the reality is Freemasonry takes effort.
