From the East

Greeting Brethren,

I hope this letter finds you all in good health and cheer. As far as I know all is still good at Rockford. It has been a very busy year as far as floor work goes. The Senior Warden will discuss it in his words. As you all know we have lost several brethren to death and we need to continue to raise their families up in prayer. As I start into the last half of the year, I still at times wonder where I'm heading. With the help of the past masters and the well informed brethren I hope to finish my year as it started with hope and enthusiasm and that our lodge will continue to grow and become even stronger than last year. As far as the East goes it has been a very humbling year. I've had to learn to run the lodge with a iron fist covered with a velvet glove. I have to remember that we all are traveling on a road we have never traveled before. I have learned that compassion and understanding is a virtue that is in as well as outside of the lodge.  I feel our lodge has been blessed and continues to be blessed. I have stumble and fallen, more than once, and with the compassion and understanding of the brethren they have held me up, dusted me off and helped me on my way. I have learned more from them then they have from me and I only hope I can repay that debt some day. I hope that God meets your every need and gives you a road more easily traveled.

In the light,

Mark

Words borrowed from John L. Palmer

"You might be a Mason if you have come face to face with your own mortality and resolved to devote your remaining span of life however long or short it might be to make the world a better place for everyone to live in"

How about the other side of the coin for instance:

You might not be a Mason if your more concerned about the amount of your dues than about being of service to other people