Have you ever heard the expression: “Everything I need to know about life, I learned in Kindergarten”?
There is a great deal of truth in that expression, and it could easily be tweaked to read: “Everything I need to know about Odd Fellowship, I learned in Kindergarten.” With a touch of whimsy, a little bit of respect, a modicum of irony, and a sense of humor, let’s review what we learned in Kindergarten:
- Follow the rules.
- Don’t argue with each other.
- Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking.
- Have fun at recess, but no screaming or pushing.
- Respect each other.
- Don’t interrupt.
- If you get tired, take a nap.
- Be on time.
- Don’t be bossy.
- Remember to say “please.”
- Remember to say “thank you.”
- If someone falls, make sure to help them get up.
- Share with each other and don’t hog all the toys.
- If you have hurt someone, apologize.
- If you had a problem with someone, shake hands, maybe hug, get over it, and move on.
Seems to me that if we all follow the same basic truths we learned when we were five years old, in Kindergarten, we would all get along much better within our Lodges as sisters and brothers, and we would have a lot more fun together as Odd Fellows.
Don’t you agree?
F – L – T
Dave Rosenberg
Grand Warden