He slowly opened the door to his locker. He hung his police
uniform on the hooks and took out his suit. It was Lodge night.
He watched as the last employee left his business, locked 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 been 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. And 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.
Tonight is Lodge night and I am glad I am a Mason.