Lodge Night

Paper 13/2007 Title Lodge Night Author Bro Nicholas Tkatschuk – Poland Locking the school doors for the last time that week the headmaster heaved a sigh of relief that all had gone well and then a smile spread across his face as he remembered that tonight was Lodge night. Tonight would be more than just a highlight - it would be another special experience to add to those he has gained since joining Freemasonry. He watched as the last employee left his business, secured the building and made the evening bank drop. He then headed off with a whistle on his lips and a spring in his step.
It was Lodge night. The young man helped his wife clear the table. He then said good night to his children and snuck into his room to change his clothes. Upon leaving he smiled at his wife and kissed her.
It was Lodge night. It had been a hard day. Navigating through the complexities of the legal system was rewarding work. It was also tiring. Normally he would have headed home for a relaxing evening.
But tonight was not normal and he felt none of the usual fatigue as tonight was Lodge night. Life had not been pleasant since his wife died. His family lived far away and with each passing year it became harder and harder to do the simple things in life. Most of all he missed his life-long partner. Tonight he felt a little
less pain and life didn't seem nearly as bad.
It was Lodge night. The accident had been terrible. But there was some consolation that his skills as a doctor had saved a life. Still it would not be easy and there were possibilities of complications. But for a while he could place his worries in the hands of others as tonight was Lodge night. It is hard looking for work when the job market is scarce. Each day he faced the nameless horde of people who continue to tell him that he was not needed. He faced rejection and the possibility of hardship at every turn.
Tonight he knew he was wanted and needed, it was Lodge night. He sat alone in the small room wearing clothes that were not his. He had received warm welcomes from a number of men he didn't know and a few he did. Now with an ancient relic of a bygone age they told him
to wait patiently, yet he looked forward to it with anticipation. It was his first Lodge night. From all walks of life we come. We donate our time to an age-honored tradition. We donate our money to help those who cannot help themselves. We gather in fellowship and part in peace. For a while we can lay aside our differences and worries to bask in our shared experiences. We can talk with men who are our equals, men who work to better themselves. And we serve as mentors to our newly-raised Brethren. Tonight is Lodge night and I'm glad that I am a Mason.