| Master's Message |
| Haddonfield - Cherry Hill Lodge #15, F&AM Haddonfield Masonic Temple 16 Kings Highway, East Haddonfield, New Jersey 08033 856-428-4193 njlodge15@yahoo.com Regular Communication: Third Tuesday of each Month |
| Paradoxes Brethren: Life is simple: birth, passage of time and death. How a person passes that time is the reason Masonry exists. In preparation for the Masonic Funeral Ceremonies, certain phrases and sentences have had greater meaning this year than in past years. Thus severing another link from the fraternal chain that binds us together, may He more strongly cement us who survive him in the ties of union and friendship; that, during the short space allotted us here, we may wisely and usefully employ our time, and, in the reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly acts, promote the welfare and happiness of one another. Sometimes everyday readings promote similar ideas, and while not of Masonic origin or great prose, the following e-mail has been edited to reveal the more meaningful parts. Today, we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems. We drink too much, laugh too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have increased our possessions, but reduced our values. We have learned how to make a living, but not a life. We have added years to life, yet not life to years. We can cross this great country in hours, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We have begun exploring outer space, but not inner space. We have done larger things, but not better things. We have conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We have learned to rush, but not to wait. We build computers to handle more information, but we communicate about our feelings less. These are the times of fast foods and lingering indigestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. In light of all this, it is incumbent that we remember to spend some time with our loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to us in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave our side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it does not cost a cent. Remember to say, "I love you" to our partner and our loved ones, but most of all mean it. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there. Take time to love and take time to share the precious thoughts in our minds. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Let us each improve the present moment, and, while time and opportunity offer, prepare for that great change which we know must come to all. Sincerely and Fraternally, David R. Leeds, Worshipful Master 2007 |
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| E-mail: drleeds@netzero.net |
| E-mail: njlodge15@yahoo.com |