Jack A. Hendee, 32°

While fishing, two Brothers reassess the value of their lives and Freemasonry.

“You know Lyle, it seems to me that it might not hurt a bit if you checked the bait on the end of your line, say every couple of years or so.”
“ Huh? Oh, sorry Ray. My mind is wandering all over the place today, and it’s not strictly on fishing.”
“ No kidding. You haven’t said a word for nearly an hour. I thought you were drifting off to sleep.”
“ No, not that, but it is such a perfect day that I could nod off.”
Indeed, it was a perfect day, not too warm, and just when needed, a breeze would rustle the trees and keep things just right. The two were fishing in a backwater slough that promised to give up some fat catfish. Leaning back against a great elm tree and float fishing with a big red-and-white bobber, everything seemed just right. Lyle had suggested the bobbers, as it was just too nice a day to cast and reel. This way they could watch their bait lazily float across the still water. If a fish should strike their bait, it would be good. If not, so be it. It was still a perfect outing.
Ray had to ask his friend, “Is there anything on your mind that I can help you with, or should I just mind my own business?”
“ Oh, no. It’s nothing earthshaking, but I do wonder if you might feel the way I do about certain things.”
“ Well, Lyle, we’ve argued and agreed on many things in our years as friends, but today I must say I haven’t the slightest idea as to what you’re talking about.”
“ Just between us, Ray, it seems to me that after my years on this Earth, I sure haven’t accomplished very much. Also, as the years go by, I see less and less spirited people and little thought of togetherness and willingness to help others. Sometimes I feel like, what’s the use?”
“ You know Lyle, I’ve always felt that there was a touch of insanity in your family, and now I know I’m right. It strikes my memory that you have a fine little lady for a wife. After all, she is my sister. I watched you raise two fine kids, which can be a real chore in today’s world. Have you forgotten that you are a Freemason and belong to one of the world’s finest and oldest fraternal organizations? Not only that, remember your personal ties to the Craft go back many generations. Didn’t all your forefathers feel there was a good deal of spirit in this fine body of men so dedicated to their country? As to your spirit, it’s there, and it’s always been there. You’ve just lost sight of it for a bit.
“ Lyle, how can you say that you see less togetherness and willingness to help others? We both have seen times and people change in our lifetimes, but the good guys are always at work pulling together. Never, never forget our Masonic hospitals and clinics. Remember the help we’ve given needy families through Masonry’s charitable programs. Sure the bad news gets the headlines, but that has never stopped our Craft’s mission or the spirit behind it. We have famous men and ordinary men like you and me in the Fraternity, and the underlying thing we all share is our feeling of love of family and country. Spirit? Togetherness? Willingness? You have all of these qualities, Lyle. You’re a Mason. No, we’re not a perfect organization with perfect people, but the vast majority of members are like you, my friend. Good, honest, caring people who have the ability to think.
“ Since I mentioned the word think, you might give some thought to where your fishing bobber went as it’s been underwater for about ten minutes!”

Jack A. Hendee, San Diego Scottish Rite, is retired from a career in marketing, sales, and distribution. A member of the York Rite and Shrine in San Diego, he now pursues several hobbies: writing, fishing, ham radio, photography, and boating, where he holds a U.S.C.G. Master’s License. Contacts: 1180 N. Main St., Apt. 101A-164, Bishop, CA 93514-2472; capjacks@schat.com