Most Excellent Grand High Priest
Companions:
I’m often asked how I find the time to do all the things I’m involved in. I answer that, if it’s important to me, I make the time. I also jokingly reply that I retired because my work kept interfering with my social life. I don’t believe in joining an organisation and then not showing up. That made me start thinking about why people in general volunteer their time. I came up with the following reasons:
a. Achievement
b. Recognition and feedback
c. Personal growth
d. Giving something back
e. Bringing about change
f. Family ties
g. Friendship
h. Support, bonding and a feeling of belonging
Time is a precious commodity, one of which none of us knows exactly how much we have. If you take out eight hours for your usual vocation and eight hours for sleep and rest, that still leaves eight hours of ‘free time’. This free time can be used to relieve the stress and pressures of work with something more rewarding. Giving of your time and doing something for one or more of the above reasons helps us beat work overload, increase our effectiveness, achieve more in our personal lives and greatly reduce stress and anxiety. By looking at how you spend your time, you can determine what other interest you can pursue.
There are many people around that have never and will never give of their time. They are not ‘joiners’. However, all of us Freemasons give of our time … of our own free will and accord. Whenever I’m at a chapter or a Masonic activity, I make a point of thanking everyone for giving of their time. A good example is the capitular festival we recently had involving the Grand Chapters of Wisconsin and Illinois, where over 120 Master Masons were in attendance and 48 brethren were exalted to the august degree of Holy Royal Arch Mason.
None of us had to be there. Each of us could have been doing something else, somewhere else. Each of us made the choice to take part in this historic, meaningful and fun-filled event. Why? See items ‘a’ through ‘h’ above. Volunteering our time to take part in this activity was something we did, not for money or fame, but for self-satisfaction. Many gave of our time to impart knowledge, while others gave of their time to receive knowledge. I would venture that many of us who volunteer our time really wish we were somewhere else; fishing, shopping, gardening or simply relaxing.
Some of my brethren tell me they don’t have time for anything except work and family. They need to ask themselves just how much free time they really have during the average week or month. Is the concept of just a few hours a week something that is only available to the other guy? I think not. Free time is something that might be hard to come by, but it’s an important component to add to your regular routine. When we take the time to slow down, quiet the mind, and refresh our perspective, we actually learn to become more focused and more productive in all our endeavours.
Free time can be a scarce but nonetheless precious commodity. Even if you have only one or two days a month, giving of that time can mean the difference between just barely making it and making it through your day with focus and clear intentions. Giving ourselves space and time to refresh and recharge is essential to peak performance. Remember why you gave of your time to join our fraternity and go through the rituals of the various organisations. You can help others just by sharing some of yourself with those coming up behind you. Have a great day and thank you for giving of your time!
Fraternally,
/s/
Joe Santisteban
Official Visits currently scheduled [click the chapter name for its address and meeting time]:
|
date
16-18 July |
event
Illinois DeMolay conclave |
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This site was last updated 07/17/10