In her 2013 annual Christmas message, Queen Elizabeth II said this on the value of stepping back and reflecting:

“We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock. Be it through contemplation, prayer, or even keeping a diary, many have found the practice of quiet personal reflection surprisingly rewarding, even discovering greater spiritual depth to their lives.”

Here are some thoughts about the value of reflection.

• • Reflection allows for intelligent decisions by understanding all perspectives, not just your own.
  • Reflection helps to ensure that an action to be taken is closer to being correct.
  • Reflection clears out the noise and leads us to decide what is right and not just popular.
  • Reflection allows us to consider the input of well-informed Brothers.
  • Reflection will confirm our Masonic values and our worldview.

I searched my articles and found that I had written about the value of reflection 65 times. I’ll repeat a section from one article because it adds to and affirms what Queen Elizabeth said in her Christmas message.

In his book Ordering Your Private World, Pastor Gordon MacDonald calls rest “a time of looking backward.” He says we should reflect on our work and ask these questions:

• • What does my work mean?
  • For whom did I do this work?
  • How well was the work done?
  • Why did I do this?
  • What results did I expect?
  • What did I receive?

Masons should reflect upon their “work” and, if necessary, “take a rest” to ensure their spiritual building is progressing.

Reflection should be a part of a Mason’s daily routine. It allows you to evaluate and, if necessary, refocus or change your direction. It can be uplifting, motivational, rewarding, and the source of a renewed spirit.

Reflect this week on those things important to you

 Have a Great Masonic Day!