Dear Brethren and Ladies:

Recently I have fallen into a trap which has been cleverly set by our society. I have been "too busy."

What does this mean? First of all, it means I have been avoiding responsibility. There is no actual "trap." I am not literally removing a steel jaw from my ankle. Rather, it is easy and convenient to use a convenient sociatal excuse for avoiding things I haven't wanted to deal with. I had to catch myself simply in writing this article, as I subconsciously, and then consciously, was about to be a victim of circumstance rather than the director of my own destiny. Who am I? Someone who allows my world to manipulate me? Or, someone who grabs my world by the shoulders and steers it in the direction I wish it to go? I choose the latter.

Secondly, it means I've used the aforementioned excuse to avoid and neglect friends, family, and my fellow brothers. Don't get me wrong; it was never with malicious intent. I don't wake up and say, "how can I make someone feel unappreciated today?" However, when I use my ridiculous excuse of "I've been busy," to not answer e-mails, not return phone calls, and generally be out of communication with people, they are left feeling unappreciated. So, the outcome being the same, does it really matter what my intent was? Some say yes. But, as a mason, I say, not really.

As a mason, I would think I am bigger and better than my excuses. More enlightened and inspired than the procrastinators and self-made victims of the world. More conscientious and caring than an average joe. I would think so. But, am I willing to take the actions necessary to BE so? Apparently, recently, I haven't. But, now that I see my errors, I can go about rectifying that.

Mason or not, I'm still human. I still catch myself, from time to time, being swept up with the tide of popular opinion or general public apathy. But, being a Mason, I have challenged myself with the study and practice of virtues which, when I'm diligent about employing them, frees me from these limiting and immature actions. Only then can I begin to think of myself as a leader, not only of myself, but of other people, and the Masonic Lodge.

So, to those I have ignored or left feeling unappreciated recently, please forgive me. I will be around to apologize individually soon. To those I haven't ignored, use me and my mistake to learn a little lesson. You are never too busy for the things that are important to you. You just get the opportunity to decide: what IS important to you?

Lastly, as the holiday season picks up, and you, too, find yourself busy, remember the people that are important to you, and don't allow any excuses to keep you from being with and caring for them.

Happy holidays everyone,

David Sylvester
Junior Warden

slyman007@aol.com