Before I explain my understanding of the concept of harmony I would like to offer special recognition to my Brother Alex Labarba.  Alex informed me with excitement at our last stated meeting that he was instrumental in successfully starting a new DeMolay Chapter.  Way to go Alex!  In this day of youth groups and lodges closing it is inspiring to see a new one open.

Now back to the subject of harmony.  I went online, opened Google and typed in "harmony."  I got 5,610,000 hits ranging from a vacation spot to a group that blends immigrants and their cultures into our school system.  I spent a few minutes on the vacation site only to realize it had little to do with my subject and the blending of cultures on the other site offered a better explanation.  I have made it a point to check out the Lodges in my District and see what is going on.  The one thing I found most common is the relationship of the Master and Secretary.  In each Lodge they work very closely together and since they do not do the same job and they get more done than with the two working on the same task, it is a small example of what can happen.  I have found that each Lodge has its own personality and they frequently have groups of Brothers who hang out together.  Back in the old days, a community would interact like this and the members would barter for services or help a widow with home repairs.  They would make a barn raising into a party.  One man cannot lift the entire side of such a structure, but with help, it would be completely framed in a day.  The women would bring food and drink and have a picnic and the children would play or learn about construction.  Napoleon Hill writes about this extensively in his book "Think and Grow Rich."  He started as a writer for a small newspaper and was offered an opportunity by Andrew Carnegie who was reputed to be the richest man in the world at that time.  Napoleon was to write a philosophy on how to be rich.  This job did not have a salary although he was hired by the richest man in the world.  He barely had enough money to make it home.  He took the challenge and after meeting other successful businessmen was able to support himself and write his book. If you sleep with the dogs, you're going to get fleas.  If you hang out with successful men, you will be successful.  Napoleon has since helped many people become rich.

I use this example because that is what Masonry has done for me.  I have been socializing with upstanding men and my life is better because of that. I want to take this to the next level.  MWB John McNab selected me to be his eyes and ears.  His focus this year is mentoring and that is my challenge.  On the District level, I want the primary officers to work together and use the Lodge Officers Association as a tool.  The harmony comes from the Grand Lodge Long Range Planning Committee and Walter F. Meyer Lodge of Research.  These groups will provide the tools and training needed for these leaders to be completely successful.  This success will be the example of leadership new Masons will respect and use as a guide for their conduct.  In my District, I have lodges with many Past Masters and many new Masons and men petitioning to become members.  I am asking all Masons who are willing to be a mentor to contact me.  You do not have to coach.  Some new members may not be in your Lodge.  The benefits are friendship, guidance, and an opportunity to better your life.  The cost is a little bit of your time and the desire to improve yourself.