Greetings My Brothers,
My grandfather, of whom I’ve spoken frequently this year, had a saying which may be familiar to you. He would say, “Jay, if you’re going to take the time to do something, try to do it right.” Without a doubt, his intention was to instill in me a high personal standard that I might bring to all life’s endeavors. As I grew, I came to recognize a flaw in that perspective. If I intend to try something new, to grow as a person, does that mean I should wait until I am 100% prepared for the task at hand, before attempting it? That didn’t make very much sense to me; I’d spend all my time preparing for a task I may never attempt! Surely, the point isn’t to stay in perpetual preparation, but rather, to act and to do.
These days, I’ve adopted a familiar G.K. Chesterton quote to complement my grandfather’s wisdom, “if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly.” I presume he means doing the thing badly just the first few times, until learning and improvement can occur. Perhaps one favors the great Enlightenment thinker Voltaire, who himself quoted an old Italian proverb when saying, “le mieux est l'ennemi du bien,” or, “the best is the enemy of the good.” Great thinkers seem conflicted about what standard, precisely, is appropriate for any good and noble labor, particularly for those matters of great importance.
This complexity grows when one is in a position of leadership. Those who precede you may wish very much, for better or worse, to have their influence. Those who follow may support your vision, or may just as likely usurp and divert your path for their own maligned purposes. How does one navigate such treacherous waters, and still maintain harmony, confident he has led with integrity, and to the best of his ability? According to the late General Colin Powell, “being a great leader means sometimes pissing people off.” Brothers, I don’t presume to be a great leader, but I certainly did not get through my year unscathed by General Powell’s observation.
How, then, shall I consider my year as Master? Do I dwell on the bickering and politicking which were incidental and of little importance? I think not. It is good to focus on the exceptional moments of ritual, delivered by our officers to the highest of standards. Good to take delight in memories of shared joy and pleasantry at our holiday party, as well as our other many social gatherings. Good to remember the generous charitable services performed by our lodge, which improved the quality of life for our communities, if only for a little while. Good to have witnessed the raising of five excellent Master Masons, each set upon his own unique and spectacular trajectory within the Craft.
It is good to remember our departed Brother Scott Alexander, his abiding loyalty to the Craft, and his legacy which reminds us to be the best versions of ourselves, going the extra mile in commitment to service, square dealings, and truth.
As I come to the end of my term, I confess I still grapple with these larger questions. There is no shortage of voices telling me I could have done this thing better, or that thing differently, or shouldn’t have done this other thing all together. General Powell might be impressed.
Rising over the din of distraction is that voice which means the most to me, that of my grandfather, Willard Shealy. Papa loved this Craft in the simplest, purest, most noble of ways. He did not allow his peace to be ruined by the predictable malcontent of others. He just kept working in the quarries of Masonry, laughing alongside those brethren who best work together, sharing the labor with him. He is the good and noble example which I strive to emulate, and by which I measure myself in moments of strife. Always joyful, always of service, always square in his dealings with others.
We will soon hold our Annual communication, and choose new officers to lead our lodge for the ensuing year. Like the old Eagle Scout I am, I’ve tried to leave the lodge better than I found it. I sincerely hope that those entrusted with the future of our lodge keep in mind the most important aspect of leadership; putting the needs of those whom you serve before your own. If being Master taught me anything, it’s that the Worshipful Master is a servant, not a king. May we continue to serve each other, lovingly and with compassion, to preserve harmony and heal discontent wherever it has taken root.
It has been an honor to serve this lodge, through her seasons of joy, and her darkest of hours. For all the achievements we pursued this year, one single goal remained my guiding light, more important than anything else which might be achieved. I didn’t want to embarrass my Dad. Now, at the end of my term of office, I stand confident that I lived up to that goal to the best of my ability. Love you, Dad. I did the best I could for you and Papa. I tried to do it right.
Brothers, serving you has been the privilege of a lifetime. Thank you.
W∴Charles Jason Shealy
Worshipful Master, St Johns No 1 Providence
