The Art of Getting Along
Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take.
He learns that it doesn’t pay to be a sensitive soul; that he should let some things go over his head like water off a duck’s back
He learns that he who loses his temper usually loses out.
He learns that all men have burnt toast for breakfast now and then, and that he shouldn’t take the other fellow’s grouch too seriously.
He learns that carrying a chip on his shoulder is the easiest way to get into a fight.
He learns that the quickest way to become unpopular is to carry tales and gossip about others.
He learns that buck-passing always turns out to be a boomerang, and that it never pays.
He comes to realize that the business could run perfectly well without him.
He learns that it doesn’t matter so much who gets the credit as long as the business shows a profit.
He learns that even the janitor is human and that it doesn’t do any harm to smile and say “Good Morning” even if it is raining.
He learns that most of the other fellows are as ambitious as he is, that they have brains that are as good or better, and that hard work and not cleverness is the secret of success.
He learns to sympathize with the youngster coming into the business, because he remembers how bewildered he was when he first started out.
He learns not to worry when he loses an order, because experience has shown that if he always gives his best, his average will break very well
He learns that no man ever got to first base alone, and that it is only through cooperative effort that we move on to better things.
He learns that bosses are no monsters, trying to get the last ounce of work from him for the least amount of pay, but they are usually fine men who have succeeded through hard work and who want to do the right thing.
He learns that folks are not any harder to get along with in one place than another, and that “getting along” depends about 98% on his own behaviour.
He learns that if he is fortunate enough to serve as Worshipful Master of Victoria Columbia No 1 that the Brethren are terrific—willing and able to assist whenever called upon, reliable, considerate and cooperative.
He learns that it is just and proper to thank people for their efforts on his behalf and for the many acts of kindness performed in the name of Masonry.
A Sincere Thank You
Roy. Ivan Comrie W.M. 1970 Deceased July 2005.
Final Comment
For those of us who had the honour and privilege of knowing Roy we know it is us who should be saying “Thank You” and not the other way around. I truly hope that my ASHLAR is as polished as that fine mason when I am called to the GLA.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY & GOD BLESS YOU ALL Norm