Episode 104. The Value Of An Ordinary Life

Grab the bread, salt, and wine – we’re delving deeper into some of the more subtle lessons contained within “It’s A Wonderful Life,” an enduringly complex piece of cinema. 

To truly appreciate the meaning of Christmastime, our friend Michael Arce connects several points of the holiday classic with our Masonic core values. 

“Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” 

RW Michael Arce is the host of Craftsmen Online Podcast and a member of Mt. Zion No. 311 (Troy, NY) and St. John’s No. 11 (Washington, DC). 

Transcript

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This week we are featuring an article written by Wright Worshipful, brother Michael Ace from the Grand Lodge of New York. Thank you, Michael for sharing the following. I'd like to think that before I was a mason, that I looked at life from multiple angles. Clearly I was trying. I saw the holidays as a time, a season, a single episode in the yet to be Determined series that would become my life. It wasn't until I reached my thirties that I really understood the meaning of Christmas time. I was scrolling through the TV channels one Christmas Eve looking for something to watch during the downtime between putting the kids to bed and before we prepared for Santa's arrival. My eye caught the title. It's A Wonderful Life. Somehow I had made it this far in life without watching this holiday classic. I remember my father making a big deal when NBC started airing it in the nineties. to me. It was an old black and white movie. I preferred 24 hours of the Christmas story on TBS. Sorry, dad, I'll leave the nostalgia to you. but something was different that night. I decided to make the two hour and 15 minute commitment. It's a wonderful, life is part of my holiday routine, and every year when I sit down to watch it, something new in the film gets my attention. how Bedford Falls represents every town USA, The bridge scene where even with the gritty black and white film in your mind, you can see how deep that water is, and imagine how cold it must be. Knowing the hidden pain in George Bailey's eyes every time something in his life goes wrong. The joy that causes his voice to crack when everyone in town comes to his aid. I find a quiet night. Start the movie and enjoy the experience This year, Clarence's lying to George. Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he? That line caught my ear. It connected a few thoughts. The first is the section of the fellow craft degree charge that literally discusses our personal contact with others, the influence we have on those who share our circle. How is Mason's? We strive to be charitable, honest, and humble. Now, whether that's bell ringing for the Salvation Army on a cold winter night for a few hours, collecting coats for the homeless, shopping for gifts for those less fortunate, serving warm meals in soup kitchens, or making time to connect with those who are alone this time of year. It's rewarding to know that we have brothers who give time to make the holidays merry for those in need. We realize that our work is to bring light to dark places, and even if I don't get a chance to meet them or learn the details of their work, these men share the same title of brother as I do, and that makes us one and the same. The second part of Clarence's line almost brought a tear to my eye when I thought of brothers who have laid down their working tools this year. Those men who are pillars in our lodges as role models and mentors. Whose encouraging words or kind smiles made us feel welcome and valued. and while I had visions of my brothers who have gone to join the grand architect of the universe, I also thought of a brother who I haven't seen at a lodge meeting in a few years, between work His family, and caring for his aging mother are all reasons why he hasn't been able to attend meetings. He also lost the passion for knowledge that could fill a small library because of a disagreement with his brothers. I still hope that someday. He chooses to put on his dark suit and tie and surprise me at a meeting A few days after watching the movie, I sent this brother a text just to see how everything is in his world, Lying in bed after the movie, I stared up at the dark ceiling above to reflect on this year. I realized that there's a reason why we love. It's a wonderful life. Watching George Bailey's story causes us to examine our own. We choose to gather with our closest family and friends this time of year for a reason. We want to remember this feeling knowing that years from now, Those hugs from grandparents or parents, or the sound of giggling kids will be our most precious memories. Reflecting on the Masonic year has the same effect dinners, ritual practices, community service, and giving back to the greater good, the raising of new brothers. Those moments serve as the highlights of our year. While we may know the men we share that time with, we may never truly understand the significance of these shared experiences in their life. This ripple effect is a theme I understood throughout the movie somehow this year. The mix of new relationships and old memories made a deeper connection to the difference we make as masons in the lives of those we interact with. Remember, no man is a failure who has friends wherever you are. This year, my brother, I send you the warmest holiday Greetings. May you continue to bring light to every life you touch. This was written by Wright Worshipful brother Michael Ace of Mount Vernon Lodge number three in Albany, New York and St. John's Lodge, number 11, Washington DC. The Art of Manliness. Also weighed in with an article titled The George Bailey Technique by Brett and Kate McKay. Check out their article@artofmanliness.com using the key words George Bailey technique. The authors suggest that as you do some of the routines, they recommend regularly, you'll begin to feel more grateful for the blessings in your life. More hopeful and optimistic about life in general. go to art of manliness.com to read more. Here's to a merry Your Christmas and happiest of holidays to one and all.