WHEN CRAFTWORK IS MORE THAN CRAFTWORK: BUILDING A REPUTATION AT EVERY MOVE

Referring to a mason as a volunteer is terribly unfair though not altogether unwarranted.  The division of labour has long separated voluntary and involuntary. There is a loud dustup about this-whether we might call it exploitation of the many pay to for the disproportional advantages of the few?  Craft Masonry is such a unique metaphor in that context.  As we seek to improve, it provides a framework of ethical standards .  Each act we perform in masonry defines not only our own effort, but whether or not we have invested the necessary effort to achieve purposeful altruistic outcome.  Each action we take also goes beyond ourselves, validating claims and effecting our reputation in an environment of suspicion and cynicism.  Reputation is what others think of us  not improved by a single act or will power but over time by conviction.  Whether a man's reputation improves depends on his diligence and commitment.  Realizing people at large love supporting an underdog only time restores trust.  The damage to one's ego isn't the opinions of others. It is when ego doesn 't care that he errs.  At the end of all the excuses we can concieve, is the truth that we either accept responsibility and grow or make excuses and remain small.   Masonry gives us opportunity to practice our convictions, without enforcement, without encouragement, without reward.  You know what is expected. It is much more and easily dismissed. But you did give your oath and accepted the obligations of a Mason willingly.  Best to buckle down to begin understanding the reason you and I do what we do.  Without understanding the reason, we cannot progress. We are the Rosencavalier until we come to terms with what we actually know to be true. No embellishment. No audience.  It is what we call character- doing what we do, when no one is with us watching.