Writer: Shrine, Masons help promote an optimistic attitude toward life

Recently, I passed through Newton on my way to the Midian Shriners’ ceremonial session in Wichita. Ever since I was a little boy, I have been inspired by many good men who joined the Masonic Lodge and “The Shrine” (including my late dad).

While in Newton, I had a conversation with an older man who was also heading to the Shrine events, and we visited a little while refueling our cars with higher-priced gasoline. He indicated people in our country need to care more about each other while simultaneously curtailing the peer-pressure fad of “keeping up with the Joneses.”

That wise man noted how our society is torn by debates on every subject imaginable. Some debate is constructive, but much of it painfully destructive — which gives people an overriding sense of worry. We worry about crisis after crisis. We worry about the “global war on terror,” “global warming,” and how to pay for food, shelter and gasoline for our cars.

Until the majority of our populace can live somewhat tranquil lives, we shouldn’t be content.We really aren’t experiencing the “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” our nation’s founders had envisioned for their posterity.

I was deeply moved by the old gentleman in Newton. He told me he enjoyed being a Mason and a Shriner because it elevated his character and the fine work in helping the kids at the Shriners Hospitals for Children gave him a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I agree. Both he and I had heard the old saying that “good men enjoy the sunshine of the Shrine.” That alludes to spreading good cheer and putting a smile on someone else’s face.

The Masonic Lodge and the Shrine aren’t the only avenues to happiness. But, for the most part, Masons and Shriners are active in churches of various denominations, they take an active part in voting, and they try to help their neighbors. By enjoying the Shrine festivities, I felt renewed with a greater spirit of optimism toward life.

— James A. Marples,

Esbon