I'D HAMMER IN THE MORNING ..."! What Masonic Working Tool was misused? My dad suspended a Masonic Lodge of WV State Policemen, when they were applying a *setting maul" too hard on candidates! Hmmm...
MWB Bailey, I have found in life that there seems to be two ways in which to dangerously apply tools, literally, and metaphorically.
The first of which is to use a tool improperly, and the other is to fail to use it at all. I am curious about your article as to what the circumstances are, and which of these applies, though I understand the need to apply discretion.
A working tool that is not used can be also a broken working tool. A tool that sits and does not get used can get, at best, dusty and grimy. At worst, rust and corrosion set in, rendering the working tool worthless until it is restored. Many of us Lewis County folk know of the beater car that “ran fine when parked.” It can be a challenge to bring something that has been sitting for a long time back to life.
The same can apply in symbolism when you, as a Brother Mason, aren’t taking advantage of the resources at your disposal. If you’re not using the tools, you’re not doing anything constructive to yourself or others. As they sit and rust, so your reputation and character will tarnish as well. And so will your own well-being. Good news is that your Brothers are there for you. They can help you bring the working tools back to life for you, and help you get your life back on track. But you have to ASK. And, as I’ve said before, Listen and heed the assistance provided to you.
I am uncertain of any specific way a working tool can be misused. Perhaps taking "eight hours" too literally? Maybe being too vigorous with divesting as to become ascetic? I'd like to see a more detailed article on this ...
A man of my Lodge did indeed take the 'eight hours' division of the common gauge too literally. By too literally I mean exactly literally.
It was clear to all, I think, that he was taking the 'eight hours for service' far too literally, as he was neglecting all other parts of his life. When I tried to counsel him (plenty of others tried as well) he insisted that he needed to devote those hours no matter what.
It went on for a few years. In the end he was homeless and without means of making a living.
MWPGM BAILEY,
"IF I HAD A HAMMER,
I'D HAMMER IN THE MORNING ..."! What Masonic Working Tool was misused? My dad suspended a Masonic Lodge of WV State Policemen, when they were applying a *setting maul" too hard on candidates! Hmmm...
MWB Bailey, I have found in life that there seems to be two ways in which to dangerously apply tools, literally, and metaphorically.
The first of which is to use a tool improperly, and the other is to fail to use it at all. I am curious about your article as to what the circumstances are, and which of these applies, though I understand the need to apply discretion.
Very good point.
A working tool that is not used can be also a broken working tool. A tool that sits and does not get used can get, at best, dusty and grimy. At worst, rust and corrosion set in, rendering the working tool worthless until it is restored. Many of us Lewis County folk know of the beater car that “ran fine when parked.” It can be a challenge to bring something that has been sitting for a long time back to life.
The same can apply in symbolism when you, as a Brother Mason, aren’t taking advantage of the resources at your disposal. If you’re not using the tools, you’re not doing anything constructive to yourself or others. As they sit and rust, so your reputation and character will tarnish as well. And so will your own well-being. Good news is that your Brothers are there for you. They can help you bring the working tools back to life for you, and help you get your life back on track. But you have to ASK. And, as I’ve said before, Listen and heed the assistance provided to you.
I wish you could have attended the last Masonic education night. It directly correlates with this exchange. I’ll send you a link.
I am uncertain of any specific way a working tool can be misused. Perhaps taking "eight hours" too literally? Maybe being too vigorous with divesting as to become ascetic? I'd like to see a more detailed article on this ...
A man of my Lodge did indeed take the 'eight hours' division of the common gauge too literally. By too literally I mean exactly literally.
It was clear to all, I think, that he was taking the 'eight hours for service' far too literally, as he was neglecting all other parts of his life. When I tried to counsel him (plenty of others tried as well) he insisted that he needed to devote those hours no matter what.
It went on for a few years. In the end he was homeless and without means of making a living.