3rd Degree

topic posted Wed, September 5, 2007 - 3:28 PM by  Martinus
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The Worshipful Master of our local lodge just called and informed me that he had me on the schedule to prove up and then receive my 3rd Degree on September 18th. Thirteen days.....and I really havn't worked on my 2nd Degree lessons yet, of course it's only been a little over a week since I received that. Ok...I'm making excuses. Can I blame it on life?

I start a new job on Monday and have lots to study for with that as well as I have to get a bunch of new Microsoft certifications so I can teach the silly subjects. Oh well....it's what I wanted to do - teach that is.

Can one be tired just from looking at the upcoming amount of work?

Sigh....not even sure if I'm venting.
posted by:
Martinus
Kansas
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  • Re: 3rd Degree

    Wed, September 5, 2007 - 5:25 PM
    MMMMMmmmmm..

    If I was your proposer – I would be slowing that progression down to let you consider and consolidate – but in many parts of American Masonic Education seems intensive and hence fast..

    Sounds like you have a bit of work in amongst everything else !

    I constantly hear good advice from more experienced Masons – some of the most important pieces are;
    1. Enjoy Freemasonry (with the implication not make it an onerous chore by taking on too much)
    2. Never stop asking questions.
    3. Always for your best
    4. Never feel pressured to do something you are not ready for,

    On the fourth point - this has been expanded not to take an office your are not ready for, don’t skip an office to increase the pace of your progression – you will not consolidate and learn the work in the progressive way the Offices of the lodge are set up so you gradually and thoroughly learn work and ALWAYS be prepared to say “No” to a charge, office or degree you are not ready to take and perform well. Brothers should understand when you decline something on the basis of “I am not yet ready.”
    • Re: 3rd Degree

      Thu, September 6, 2007 - 5:10 AM
      Martinus,
      I'd agree with Bloke on everything and would add to it some more perspective. I've stepped up and taken on jobs, offices, or helped out where I knew I was in over my head as long as I knew I'd have help when I got to where I was going. So far so good. I took offices ahead not because i wanted to increase how fast I progressed thru the chairs but rather becasue the lodge needed me to.

      The increased schedule may be because of something else going on in lodge? Working well with others is an important part of Freemasonry. One I need to work on and one that a good share of my brethren need to work on as well. If you are ready I'd say go for it. If not then communicate that.

      As for me I'd ask to wait a bit simply based on the new job situation. It's not within the length of your "cable tow" right now.

      Either way good luck and enjoy!
      • Re: 3rd Degree

        Thu, September 6, 2007 - 7:06 AM
        <<rather because the lodge needed me to. >>

        It is a big problem... but I have always proclaimed I will go through every office prior to taking the chair and PM's have taken that into account and conscripted others... I want to kick arse when I am the WM :)
        • Re: 3rd Degree

          Thu, September 6, 2007 - 7:33 AM
          I did go thru all the offices. I simply did not spend a full year in some of them. i spent a few extra years in others.
          • Re: 3rd Degree

            Thu, September 6, 2007 - 7:58 AM
            <<I simply did not spend a full year in some of them.>>

            MMmmm. We don't do that.... but is sounds like an excellent idea !

            I think the other big thing is your comment "as I knew I'd have help when I got to where I was going. ".. That's another key thing... especially when you first take a Deacon role on - I found that one hard because of the floor work.....

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