Introduction
The following is an excerpt from a presentation made by a DDGM to a Lodge in his District & while I am certain if was intended only for that particular audience, it is so full of humour and wonderful advice, that I have decided to share the majority of the presentation with you all. If only all of us had the skill and ability to make presentations of this quality. In the interim we can only thank the GAOTU for Brethren such as Brother Hugh Goldie & the opportunity to share in his handiwork.
Success by R.W.Bro. Hugh Goldie On his last official visit for his year at Maple Leaf Lodge No. 119 on May 13, 2013
Brethren ten months ago you elected me to be the Grand Masters representative in Frontenac District (Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario)& I thank you for that honour and privilege. I have had great satisfaction in travelling this district visiting each one of your lodges and spending time with each of you.The last ten months have passed so quickly. It is hard to believe that this is my last official visit.
Over the last year I have visited many places, and I would like to tell you of some of them tonight. I’ve been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. However I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my grandchildren, friends, family and work. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older. One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! I may have been in Continent, and I don’t remember what country I was in. It’s an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.
And so Brethren I find myself tonight in Maple leaf Lodge, Bath Ontario. Canada
Brethren my travels this year have given me great joy and satisfaction. I have had the privilege of being in the company of great men; each and every one of you can count yourselves as one of them. The hospitality and fellowship has made every visit a joy. Our meetings have been enjoyable, serious yet light hearted, hopefully inspirational, motivational; thought provoking and brought a smile to everyone’s face. My hope was that as we leave these retreats of friendship and brotherly love, each brother takes something enjoyable with him, a fond memory a pleasant evening. A wish to return.
At our district meeting at Grand Lodge I mentioned a mission statement
· Always work together in harmony
· Invest in our membership
· Work with enthusiasm and dedication
· Strive to do our personal best
· Believe in the future and strive to advance our Masonic vision
· Inspire others lead by example
· Be driven by a clear vision of continuous improvement
· Communicate and participate.
· Empower an Enthusiastic Team
· Help each other be right — not wrong.
· Look for ways to make new ideas work – not reasons they won’t.
· If in doubt, check it out! Don’t make negative assumptions.
· Help each other win and take pride in everyone’s victories!
· Speak positively about each other and about our organization at every opportunity.
· Maintain a positive mental attitude, no matter what the circumstances.
· Act with initiative and courage as if it all depends on you.
· Do everything with enthusiasm – it’s contagious!
· Don’t lose faith – never give up!
· When things go wrong – laugh and learn!
· And last of all have fun!
I would like to read a poem called Success by: Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, A garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
I NOW ASK
Have we been successful in achieving the goals set out at the beginning of the year? Is the condition of masonry better now than ten months ago; are we inspired and motivated to go out and show the public how masons lead their lives.
Have we made a daily advancement and improved ourselves?
Have we left a positive legacy for future masons to enjoy?
How do we measure our success; do we measure by subjective or objective means.
Subjectively means that in our own minds we see an improvement in our great fraternity.
Objectively means that we have more new candidates than members we are losing; our numbers are going up. Members are participating in lodge and our meetings are fruitful and meaningful. The lodge is filled to capacity each and every meeting.
Or have we been unsuccessful in both measures.
Success does not come overnight it is something that we must continue to work at and improve. Our own self satisfaction in achieving goals continually changes as we strive for improvement.
The first thing we need to know is what does success look like?
This meeting tonight has caused me much reflection ; have I achieved what I set out to achieve, have I achieved what the Grandmaster expected me to achieve; and represented him in the way I should; and have I most of all achieved what Frontenac masons expected to be achieved.
Success is a measure of human spirit. It cannot always be quantified or measured by electronic or other equipment.
It can, in fact only be speculated upon by the criticism of others. True success is only measured in the eye, heart and soul of the individual who set out to, and attained that goal.
Have a Wonderful Day & God Bless
Norm