November approaches and with it our national holiday of Thanksgiving.

That it falls in November, a full month after the fall equinox, is no coincidence. The last harvest and the coming scarcity of winter, with its sparse dry leaves still clinging to branches, is an appropriate time to celebrate our blessings and demonstrate appreciation for the Supreme Architect and all He provides.

No longer driven by the lustfulness of youth, one of the many rewards of maturity is a greater ability to appreciate all the wonderful gifts received, great and small, everyday of our lives.

The half-filled glass can be seen as half-empty, yet also half-full. And in that fullness we rejoice in the wonderful experience of being: The touch of your partner's hand, a child's smile, the scent of a rose, a sunny day, our beautiful Delaware River, the camaraderie of fraternity and divine intervention, brethren, everyday of our lives. It is our choice to take notice, appreciate and give thanks.

Sadly, we too easily become entangled in the "negative" occurrences of daily living, tending to create nightmares from those common experiences instead of pleasant dreams from positive ones. Rain at a picnic can infuriate and ruin our day even though we know that rain must fall. An old Moslem proverb says: "The rain brings thorns in the marshes but flowers in the garden". Perspective; we can see and experience what we chose. What do you see? What do you choose to see? Your focus will ultimately decide your contentment. Happiness does not need to be pursued because it is already there just waiting for you to select it over pessimism.

My brothers, we are fortunate to have chosen the Masonic path. Its beautiful rituals and lessons encourage us to open our eyes to the light in order to best appreciate all we have, including the liberal arts and sciences and the value of morality, brotherly love and charity and one of it greatest gifts, the instillation of hope. By implementing Masonic teachings in their fullness, we can experience that which we so desire: contentment, meaning, and promise as we walk on this, our earthly plain, to the undiscovered country.

Thus, at every meeting of our fraternity, for each and every Masonic purpose, we begin and end by expressing our gratitude to the Supreme Grand Master for all the blessings he has provided for us.

Tomorrow, regardless of the weather or your situation, walk outside, inhale a deep breath, and take a moment to appreciate the wonderment of your existence. Express your gratitude for all that He gives you. I do.

Fraternally and lovingly,

Ricardo Fernandez, WM