By J. E. C. Rafisura — Sr. Warden
Entering the month of July almost feels like a warp speed. It seems like it was just recently that we had our February Crab Feed, and now we are in the second half year of 2022. The many degree conferrals, social gatherings and lodge activities certainly filled the first half of this year, not to mention our acrobatic maneuvers to maintain work-life balance – yes, warp speed. Kudos to our very active leader, WM Brian Ross!
But we ponder, what is the point of all these so-called “activities”, be it work-related, Masonic or family? My thoughts about this made me recall a quote from an American Novelist Jack London (Author of “Call of the Wild”, 1903) that says: “The proper function of man is to live, not exist. I shall not waste my time in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time”. So simple a saying, yet so provocative. To me it means that to properly live your life is to take risks – to be bold and willing to go on epic adventures, to test one’s human limits, to enjoy life outside of one’s cave (or home), to be able to dance as if the world is your stage, to help others see the beauty of life and
live their own, to help your children and inspire others, to love fiercely and passionately and experience the madness of human emotions, to dare to fail, make (and laugh at your) mistakes, to get back up and rise (life loves a good comeback story), to feel vulnerable yet show invincibility with human courage and strength and faith in self and in Someone greater that one’s self. Life is about the journey and at the end of it, when we finally meet our Maker, everything vanishes except for the memories of friends and family. For how long will you be remembered, depends on how you lived and the amount of impact you’ve made. But you will be dead anyway, so you might not know or couldn’t care less. Afterall, as far as “worldly life” is concerned, we are all already defeated and naked. Nothing ever comes out of this world alive!
I wish everyone a life full of fun and adventure. I wish you good health so you can live a fulfilling life. Certainly, “All the gods, all the heavens and all the hells are within us” (Joseph Campbell). There is a plethora of dimensions to discover and experience. We do not know for how long our life will be here in this mortal world. But it will and can end in an instant. How we spend it, is entirely up to each one of us. Let us all, travel well, my brothers. Cheers!