From Burnout to Engagement: Reigniting the Spark – A Lesson in Silent Communication

From Burnout to Engagement: Reigniting the Spark – A Lesson in Silent Communication

A member of a certain Masonic lodge, who had previously attended meetings somewhat regularly, eventually stopped going.  After a long while, a new Worshipful Master of the lodge decided to visit him.  It was a chilly evening, and the Worshipful Master found the brother at home alone, sitting in front of a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for the Master’s visit, the brother welcomed him in, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.  The Worshipful Master made himself at home but said nothing.  In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs.

After some minutes, the Worshipful Master took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone.  He then sat back in his chair, still silent.  The host watched in quiet contemplation as the one lone ember’s flame diminished.  There was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more.  Soon it seemed cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.  The Worshipful Master glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave.  He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire.  Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the Worshipful Master reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery lesson. I’ll be back in lodge at our next meeting.”

Brothers, we want you back in lodge!