INSPIRATION

There are places in the world where access to masonry is carefully weighed. Conversations have been had, reasonable conclusions drawn, a sense of direction that heightens the senses is a given.  Imagine knowing your participation represents a sense that this particular lodge values what they do to the extent they are selective and you have been chosen for your potential.  You are committed based on an understanding you want to be part of that particular lodge.  Wouldn't the masonic environment be different if this was commonplace.  It is more commonplace than we might suspect. Then why is it not more evident? More often we have this impression because the dialogue needed, is not communicated. There is a mistaken sense that we can build effective lodges without being judgemental.  It is not possible to go through a minute in a day without making judgements.  What descerning men take into account is the bases of those judgements.  Being judgemental certainly a problem when it interferes with understanding and cohesiveness.  I call that gotcha moments.  The man  that claims 'devils advocacy' is steering the conversation. It is the antithesis of shared inspiration when one man is distracted by his own bias. Rather than reasoning, he has stopped weighing the facts and instead interjected opinion. You may have your own opinions but you don't have your own facts.  Fact is, opinion is temporary and usually inconsistent with requirements.  Inspiration is when a group are working on a similar wave length.  When men experience inspired men, they too are inspired.  What does it take to inspire you or me?  That's the rub isn't it. You know within yourself it is unconscious attitude. No one wears the 'Hi I'm inspired' t-shirt. Inspiration is known as things unfold around us. In some groups that are open about being in touch it happens.