more light #324
Taking Responsibility Is Important
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
Dear Masonic Student,
The following article was written by Brother Howard Coop. As you will see
he is a very good writer. He writes a regular column called “An Encouraging
Word,” which is syndicated to ten newspapers, one monthly publication, and one
bi-monthly publication. The article below comes from that column. Brother Coop
is also the Chaplain in his Lodge; Lancaster Lodge No. 104 F. & A.M. in
Lancaster, KY you can email Brother Coop at www.lancaster104.com I’m sure you
will enjoy hid article. – Ed
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY IS IMPORTANT
By Howard Coop
Several years ago I wrote an amusing note to myself on an index card, and I
have kept that card where I can look at it frequently. That simple note I wrote
is an excellent reminder of an important idea for daily living: taking
responsibility for one’s action is, always and under all circumstances,
important.
I wrote that note one morning after reading the comic page in the newspaper,
something I do almost every day. I know there are those who do not read the
comic page; they think of it as unimportant. But at times, it contains
significant things that, indeed, are important.
In one of my favorite pieces, a little boy, about five years old, must have
been in serious trouble for something he had done, for his mother, in a way that
only mothers can, reminded him of his misdeed. After she had spoken pointedly
to the little boy, he looked up at her and, in a childish sort of way, said,
“Any time I do anything, you always blame me!” Well, one might ask, who else is
there to blame?
The attitude of that little boy, when it is in small children, may be, and
is, accepted by adults as good humor, and we can, and do, laugh heartily about
it. But whining and attempting to play the blame game in adult life is not
humorous, and it doesn’t get any individual anywhere. More is expected of
mature adults. Under all circumstances and in every situation, they are
expected to assume responsibility and act accordingly. When that happens, they
are accountable for their actions, and priorities are established so that first
things are always first.
Taking responsibility upon one’s shoulders is important, and it has
significant results in daily life. From the early days of youth, I recall good
friends and good teachers reminded me, and others, of an old adage: Take
responsibility upon your shoulders, and there will be no room for chips.
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