I’d like to take a step back from my usual articles today to celebrate the anniversary of something very important to me. This day, February 28th, marks the one year anniversary of The Banks of the Euphrates appearing on Freemason Information Magazine. On February 28th, 2009, I posted my first article on this website and my first year working with Greg, Dean, Fred, Shane, and the rest of the gang has been nothing short of a fantastic Masonic experience.
However, the point of this article is not to expound on how great I think that my articles have been or how much success I have had in writing The Euphrates. I don’t think that I am some sort of great Masonic writer and I certainly don’t think that my articles are of any major significance to the Masonic world. What I want to talk about today, is how much I have enjoyed the opportunity to write articles about what Freemasonry means to me.
Freemasonry has played a huge role in my life since I first knocked on the inner door of a lodge. It has served as a catalyst for my studies on religion and philosophy. It has given me an opportunity to meet men of the finest character, many of whom have become fantastic friends. It has also served as a guide in my own personal development. When my life hit rock bottom, my Brothers were at my side. When I needed advice, a Brother was there to provide it. Masonry has become the driving force in my life to be a better man, to act upon the square, and to provide relief to those that have proven themselves worthy.
I knew that I could not be alone in feeling this way about the order. So I started writing The Euphrates to give me my own personal soapbox to talk about Freemasonry and relay the lessons that it has taught me. But writing The Euphrates also provided me with an unexpected benefit, the opportunity to communicate with Brethren from throughout the world. Many of you have sent me emails and I have had the good fortune of forming a friendship with you through correspondence. I cherish that opportunity and hope that I continue to receive so much feedback in the future.
Because of the fantastic experience that I have had over this past year, I wanted to celebrate it by doing something special. I will soon be releasing a free e-book featuring the best articles from the first year of The Banks of the Euphrates. The e-book will also feature some commentary on my thoughts while writing those articles. I am in the middle of editing it now and plan to have it available within the month. I know that I enjoyed reviewing the articles that I wrote from the past year and I hope you will as well.
I want to thank all of you for reading my column and encourage you to keep the correspondence coming. I hope that I can make the next year’s worth of articles even better.
Like what you are reading at the Euphrates? Email the author at euphratesblog@gmail.com to join the Banks of the Euphrates mailing list.
Congratulations on your year of writing.
New to your blog – just subscribed as well.
It has been one wonderful year of readings, and I look forward to the e-Book. I, too, have been going through some tough personal times, and can relate to all you are saying. Although I may withdrawal, more times than not, the support I receive from my brothers is much needed and more-so appreciated.
Here is to many more years worth of anniversaries!