I'm on the train heading back to Jersey City right now. I was originally scheduled to be on the 11:13 AM train but when I went to check in at about 8:30, the man at the ticket counter said, "I see you're a travelling man." When I replied appropriately, he mentioned I could get on the 9:10 train and save myself a bit of time. I still got charged a fee to change my ticket, but I met an other brother I hadn't known before.My family tells me I'm more patient. My friends wonder what's different but seem to like it.
The tangible benefit that I've noticed is when I travel I'm never alone. I was in Jersey City a couple of weeks ago and while handing in the keys to my company's cage in the data center, the guy at the desk said, "Thanks, brother." He saw my ring, I saw his. We had drinks and a meal together. That same trip, I sat in Lodge with one of the Brothers on this forum. I've been approached at a diner by the owner who is a brother. I've been greeted warmly by police officers who see the square and compasses on my truck. I've had wonderful conversations all over with friends I had not met yet all over. It takes at least 30 minutes to get out of my local bank now as many of the people who work there are Masons. It's great to be part of a large family
This was my problem , friends . I have found that there are two bonds that have drawn me closer to other men , the Marine Corps (and combat) and Freemasonry . I am close to both of my brothers , Freemasons and Marines , than I am of guys I have known since grade school .Freemasonry has made me less cynical, more patient, and a huge believer of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Five years ago, I was separated from my wife and in the process of divorce. I quickly realized that I had no friends. They were friends, but they were all husbands of my wife's friends. After we moved to MN, I worked all the time while she built friendships, so, I lost all my friends in the divorce. I started dating a woman, who is now my lovely bride, and we were talking about the fact that I had no friends. I mentioned that I was thinking of joining the Eagles, or Elks, or something to meet people. She told me I needed to talk to her dad about the Masons. So I approached him, we had several fabulous discussions, and I was made a Mason. I was immediately embraced with brotherly love. I have more "friends and brothers" than any point in my life since college in the 80's. These men are true brothers, and we all truly depend on each other, probably moreso than blood relatives. Nearly all of my friends are Masons, and the way we all go to bat for each other on a moments notice has really changed my outlook on the goodness that can be found in men. I could go on about this all day, but I fear I'm rambling.
Mike