…presented at Hiram Lodge No. 319, Hagersville, November 13, 2008.

Attitude is that intangible quality inside that produces tangible results on the outside. In other words, we are what we think.

Attitude affects us in every walk of life; at home, at work, at play and even at lodge. It determines how you, as a Mason, or as a Master will handle the different situations that come up in your lodge in preparing and delivering work for the evening, It determines the personal relationship you have with your lodge brethren, your family, and your work colleagues.

A person may be described as having a "good" attitude, that is, positive thinking, always looking for the good side of any situation or turning failure into success. Always seeing the glass half-full instead of half-empty.

Or a person may be described as having a "so what" attitude. He cares little about what happens, good or bad. He just shrugs and says "That's life. Nothing I can do about it." Apathetic is a good word to describe him.

The "so what" guy is nearly as bad as the guy with the "bad" attitude. This person can be found in every group, sowing the seeds of discontent, finding fault with every idea, always sees the problem and the only solution is the one he pushes. To him there is nothing good in any situation. To him, the glass is always half-empty.

Negative people see a problem in every opportunity. Positive thinkers see an opportunity in every problem.

Negative people see every failure as a personal attack on them. Positive people see every setback as a learning experience.

Brethren, harmony is the strength and support of all institutions, particularly this of ours. Where the members of any lodge all have positive attitudes, harmony will prevail because there will be no contention among them except for that noble contention, or rather emulation, of those who can best work and best agree.

And if you really want the best reason to maintain a positive attitude, it is this:

A person with a positive attitude really annoys the hell out of someone with a bad attitude.

Brethren in closing please remember to give leadership; seek the involvement and interest of others, we must have the ability to communicate and the foresight to listen. And with a positive attitude we will be successful with new ideas and thoughts for an enormous future in this wonderful fraternity.