more light #351
THINK
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
Supreme Architect of theUniverse, “so far today, I am doing all right. I
have not gossiped, lost mytemper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or
self-indulgent. I have notwhined, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. However, I am
going to get out of bedin a few minutes, and I will need a lot more help after
that.” Amen (Anonymous)
Many years ago some business’ had short motivational posters, such as
“Think,” and “Plan Ahead;” sometimes the ‘plan ahead’ poster would be too short
to get the“D” in on the last word, so it would be scrunched downward to
illustrate howimportant planning is. That one always made me smile.
Thosewere good signs, but they might have been more effective it they both
couldhave illustrated how important thinking and planning are.
“Think”can be an acronym for everyone to keep in mind. As a mnemonic it can
helpanyone enjoy life more: The mnemonic is “T.H.I.N.K.” Before speaking think -
Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?
T.H.I.N.K.
Thinkingbefore speaking, especially in a heated, excited, or humorous
situation,conversation, or in writing, think about T.H.I.N.K. Doing this can do
wonders inthe many relationships we all have with children, spouses, significant
others,co-workers, extended family, and also our fellow Freemasons.
Fromthe beginning of our degree work we are glad to be in association with
friendsand Brothers, and they are happy to have us join with them in this great
andgood work. But there are times in the Masonic journey when rifts
betweenBrothers will surface. And if left without of forgiveness, tolerance,
andunderstanding rifts can become worse, and easily affect others too.
Weare, after all, Masons; our tenets are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Wewant to demonstrate Brotherly Love, not antagonism to each other; We
giveRelief to the distressed, and if we are at odds with one of our Brethren
it’svery likely we’re both distressed - the best way to give relief to
thedistressed in this situation is to forgive; And possibly we might both
benefitby looking for the Truth in each other’s opinions, rather than fighting
so hardfor our own.
JohnMaxwell suggests; to improve relationships we could use the 101%
principle.This principle simply means that if we don’t agree 100% with someone,
we canlook for the 1% where we do agree and concentrate on that. Minimize the
otherthings we don’t agree with. This leads to a less stressful life.
Wewant to enjoy life and Freemasonry; this is more likely to happen when we
don’texperience stress in our Masonic journey.
Thereis a prized book in my library by don Miguel Ruiz called ‘The Four
Agreements.’The four agreements are:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best
The book goes into detail on eachone of these.
Isuggest that all four of these agreements - agreements with
ourselves,individually, no one else, if we choose to do that - will add to
happiness inlife, and of course, happiness in Freemasonry.
Reverendand author Temple Hayes says we can all earn a personal PhD when we
masterPrayer, Humility, and Devotion. I will add that mastering this PhD will
improvethe Masonic experience for each of us individually and thus for all of
us.
Wecan ‘Pray’ for our Brothers; after all Masons rejoice in each
other’sprosperity and promote each other’s welfare; we can be ‘Humble’ in our
ownopinions, realizing that our Brother’s opinions may have just as much
validityas ours, and are offered to be helpful; As far as ‘Devotion’ is
concerned, in additionto our devotion in our individual houses of worship, we
can be devoted to ourservice to mankind - ever remembering the words of the
‘charge at closing,’which says in part”
“Bediligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that around this altar
youhave promised to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need
yourassistance. Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the most
tendermanner, of his failings, and aid his reformation; to vindicate his
characterwhen wrongfully traduced; suggest, in his behalf, the most candid and
favorablecircumstances. Is he justly reprehended? Let the world observe how
Masons loveone another.
“These generous principles are toextend further. Every human being has a
claim upon your kind offices. Do goodunto all. Recommend it more especially ‘to
the household of the faithful."
Peaceand Harmony can prevail in our lives and our Lodges
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