Brethren:
As we turn our eyes to the summer and take our pause in our labor, I’d like to take a moment to think about planting. Specifically, planting trees under whose shade we shall never sit. One story I’ve often heard in my leadership training is the story of an architect of an old cathedral planting oak trees. It’s a story that’s always stuck with me as a lesson in legacy. The short version goes something like this: A long time ago the architect of a cathedral cut down a mighty forest to get wood for his building. However, for every tree he cut, he planted a small acorn. He had a vision - that the day would come, generations later, when new timbers would be needed to repair the aged building. By planting acorns, the architect was able to ensure materials would be around decades later to keep the mighty edifice standing for years to come.
We’ve been so fortunate with the number of candidates we have joining our young Lodge. Our officers have been incredibly busy. Yet now is the time to think about the next generation - Are we continuing to lend our time and talents to the Lodge, or do we just expect the next generation to take over? Are we training and guiding these new members in the lessons we’ve come to love, or are we expecting them to just figure it out? Are we documenting our lessons learned, or relying on our fuzzy memories and vague recollections? Are we showing up to events and creating an environment where stories are shared and fellowship flows, or do we just look around and expect the other guy to be the one to show up and take over?
This Lodge has been so fortunate in all the work we’ve been able to accomplish this year. But as we look to progress, we need to mentor, guide and teach those newer members to ensure West Shore Lodge continues to be the guiding light it has shown it can be. This doesn’t just fall on the officers, this falls on all our members. So as we enjoy our season off, take some time to recharge with friends and family, and think about how we can come together this fall to plant our own field of acorns.
Bill Marshall
Worshipful Master
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