The urge is strong, to claim legitimacy by adhering to historical practices at the expense of change. It would take an unusually courageous group of men, to change old practices especially for the larger numbers of masons for whom masonry is a concrete, literal process; like having the latin litergy intact; people knowing their place and respect for authority.
Frustrating as it might be, rigid adherence to anything is simply an illusion of stability. Time moves on and history has continually taught us that change is inevitable. Not change for the sake of change but what we call progress.
I put it to you, that the urge to progress is stronger that the urge to claim legitimacy by manufacturing a link to the passed.
But there is a third urge- that of stability and predictability which has a deeper, emotional effect. I believe it is possible and necessary for old order lodges, to broach the gap between those who resist any change and those who embrace the idea new is better; knowing those who wield authority unwisely will drive a wedge of isolation between a membership and those in high position.
Making changes unexpectedly is for most people, disorienting and stressful. Changes driven by necessity are remarkably low key events and usuallyhave a desirable outcome that ripples around the pond. Bigger the pond, smaller the ripple.
Who determines need you might ask? Those who are most aware!
Who are most aware? Natural leaders!
Who are the natural leaders? Those who are trusted.
Who are trusted? Those who serve others.
Why are those who serve others, most trusted? Because through the service to others, a man becomes more accurately aware of his own nature.
Why is that important? Because it is the advice of the Oracle.
What was that advice? Know thyself.
We know, to survive, organizations, just like people, must be adaptive; that's another word for flexible. Even an oak tree gives a little in high wind, just enough to survive the storm.
I know it is a ridiculously simple idea but what if we give a little to survive into the next millenium? Only in hindsight do we know the rightness of our decisions. But to make the best decision possible, requires good, accurate information, on which to base the moves.
Communication and the open exchange of ideas relieves pressure points if it is done in an atmosphere of fraternity. Our Grand Lodge seems to be embracing that type of thinking, sending envoys out to Districts to facilitate discussion groups.
We are encouraged to forward ideas through the DDGM in a district, who then moves the idea forward to the next level of discussion.
Gentlemen's agreements remain intact. Nostagia is unassailed. Old men cling to the familiarity of a day gone by and young men struggle for meaning, living and shaping their own version of history by participation.
For our Grand Lodge Officers, the Grand Lodge Annual Communication is defined in protocol. However, each mason is able to define for himself, what the Annual Communication is for him. It is 6008 A.L. and communication has accellerated exponentially. We all gain from the universal access to information that is now upon us.
The purpose of the functional purpose of attending the Annual Communication is lost to many fellows. Is it feasible to many the AC multi-dimensional? Change that is attempted at glacial speed, usually emerges in a convulsion. I hate the argy- bargy stuff.
Moving at 7 knots, I remain, faithfully and fraternally,
Dale
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