Blaine C. Clay Lodge # 14

     I recently read a short story about one of the methods Eskimo's use to kill wolves that are ravaging their traps and dog teams. Without going into too graphic a detail, it involves the coating of a razor sharp knife in layers of animal blood so that when it is found by the wolf, and he licks it, his thirst for blood becomes so intense that he does not realize that he has uncovered the knife blade and cut his own tongue. His thirst for the taste of blood becomes so intense that he does not recognize that the blood he is tasting is his own, to the point that he will eventually bleed to death on the spot.

     Freemasonry teaches us a lot about "circumscribing our desires and keeping our passions within due bounds". We as individuals can very easily become so focused upon one certain topic, that we fail to see what is actually going on around us. Sometimes this focal point can be something less that admirable. We should count any man braver who overcomes his desires, than he who conquers his enemies, for sometimes the hardest victory is the victory over self. We should attempt to continue with self introspection on an ongoing routine.

     Freemasonry has a way of reminding us of this on a regular basis. By congregating with our brothers regularly, we can uplift one another with "friendly counsel" and a sharing of values and enlightenment.

     Remember brother, the night we received our third degree marks but the beginning of our journey, not the end.

Travel light brothers.

So Mote It Be

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