November 22, 2010
I was out back of the CowChows this afternoon poking around in my collection of objects of undefined purpose. To call it a junk pile seems so undignified considering the treasures that are to be found there. The day was warm; the air was clean and fresh, and more than anything else I was just enjoying being outside. I was lost in my thoughts as I turned an old plow sweep in my hands and imagined it as a claw on the foot of a giant dinosaur sculpture, when a timid little voice came from behind me, "Whatcha doin?"
I turned to find Mason, the little brother of the little blond haired girl next door. He stood with his hands behind his back as if he'd been there a while. He had fresh grass stains on the knees of his jeans, and a mass of blond curls framed an angelic face which already showed hints of the handsome man he was destined to be. He smiled and with a quick wave of his hand he said, "Hi."
I returned his greeting and asked, "Been playing?"
"Yeah," he admitted and then asked again, "What you doin?"
"Well," I said turning back to the pile, "I'm looking for something."
His eyes brightened, "Can I help?"
I pretended to consider his offer, rubbing my chin and studying him carefully, and then I nodded, "As a matter of fact, you might just be the perfect person to help me find it."
His smile stretched from ear to ear and he bounced eagerly. "What are we looking for?"
"Well," I said as I dropped the plow sweep with a clank, "I'm trying to find my gratefulness."
He stopped bouncing. "Huh?"
"Yes," I said, "I'm afraid I've misplaced my gratefulness and I'm trying to find it."
"What is it?" he wanted to know.
"Well, it's something I keep with me to remind me of all the things I have to be grateful for. You must have something like that. What are the things you're grateful for?"
He shrugged. "I dunno," he said.
"What about your sister? You're grateful for her aren't you?"
He dropped his chin to his chest, curled up his nose and peered up from beneath furrowed brow. "Hmmmm," he said and shrugged again.
"You'd miss her if she were gone wouldn't you," I asked.
"Yeah," he finally admitted.
"And your Mommy and Daddy? You're grateful for them I bet."
He nodded readily and his smile returned.
"And that new puppy I saw you playing with the other day?"
The smile grew wider and the nod more vigorous.
"And your Grandma? I know you're grateful for her."
He beamed and nodded excitedly and began calling out all the things he was grateful for, "And my friend, Jack, and my four-wheeler, and my teacher Ms. Hebbern, and ice cream, and...."
While he was telling the world all the things he was grateful for I looked down and noticed an old key lying in the pile. I picked it up, wiped it off, and rubbed it against my jeans. Once the grime was gone the brassy shine quickly came to life. When he had wound down and come to the end of his list I held up the key and said, "That's good Mason. I want you to take this and keep it with you. Every time you see it or feel it in your pocket it will remind you of all the things you have to be grateful for. This is your gratefulness."
He accepted the key and studied it for a long moment, and then his eyes clouded and he looked up at me and said, "But, what about your gratefulness? We didn't find it yet."
"That's okay," I told him. "I think I remember where I left it now."
Fraternally yours,
Tim Couch
Now, on with the news........................
Monday, November 22, 2010: The Ladies of the Social Order of the Beauceant Assembly No. 92 will host a special Thanksgiving and Recognition of Members' Years of Service Awards dinner this evening. Serving will commence at 6:00 PM.
The dinner will be followed by the monthly business meeting of Springfield Chapter No. 15 R.A.M., Zabud Council No. 25 Cryptic Masons, and St. John's Commandery No. 20 K.T. At this meeting we will vote on a proposed By-Laws change regarding Uniform Requirements for Sir Knights of St. John's Commandery No. 20, and we will have an Official Visitation.
All Companions and Sir Knights are encouraged to attend.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010: Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 3rd Degree of Freemasonry. Two candidates will be presented for the sublime degree of Master Mason. Lodge will be duly Opened at 6:00 PM and there will be nourishment following the work.
Thursday, November 25, 2010: Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Attention All: Right Worshipful Brother Barney Douglas has been selected as the Grand Lodge Truman Award winner by Most Worshipful Brother Larry C. Reynolds. Brother Douglas was unable to attend Grand Lodge this year to be presented with this award, and so Most Worshipful Brother Reynolds will present the award at Vaught's Family Restaurant in Gainesville MO.
Brother Barney’s Masonic, Eastern Star, Lions and community involvement history will be presented. Vaught’s Family Restaurant is located at the intersection of MO State Hwy 5 and US Hwy 160 in Gainesville, MO. Your presence is requested and will be appreciated. The cost for the meal will be $11.00.
We really need to have an idea of how many may be attending. Please send an email to Royce Wheeler royce@wheeelermowing.com or call (417) 683-9077. Fraternally, Royce Wheeler DDGM 42
There's always lots of Masonry going on in Missouri. See the links below to keep up with the latest or to submit information for your upcoming meeting.
For help locating a lodge building visit the Missouri Masonic Lodge Map page on Masonsmart.com
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