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Friends, Family, & Fraternity…
We are in a different time today than 50 years ago. Today we email and text each other. We look for the shortcut to communication to “save time” and we “multi-task” to accomplish more in a day. Are we accomplishing more? Can we really create the relationships that last a lifetime and are based on solid fundamental principles?
My thoughts are no. We need actual undivided human face to face interaction to create and preserve solid relationships. Where does one go to find this environment? I am going to say the Masonic fraternity. Ironically a set of groups that are about 50 years behind the times, yet that is exactly what every community needs.
Imagine a fine group of experienced community leaders yet not all of them have email, or cell phones, or even a computer. A group, that when they get together it is just to become better friends and enjoy refreshment without the interruption of the outside world. Some say that the fraternity is behind the times yet membership is growing. Obviously there is a need being filled and maybe the need is peace and harmony away from the constant interruption of digital communication.
It is difficult today to meet and create a good friendship, a friendship that will last the tests of time. My closest friends are still the ones from DeMolay that I met back in the 80’s. Well, I now have another great friend that I feel he will be part of my life forever. When was the last time you made a great friendship?
This friend of mine (and many others) is a great guy that I met through the fraternity. He has a wife and kids and his family structure matches mine. Our child raising philosophies are similar and so are our charity beliefs. His daughter’s birthday party was yesterday and I and family had a great time. Meeting him was just one more reason I am glad to associate and be an active member of the Masonic fraternity.
