Crafting a Finer Self: Superfluous Knobs and Excrescences.

There's a powerful lesson hidden in one of Freemasonry’s symbols. Imagine a craftsman shaping a stone, chipping away unwanted parts to create something beautiful. Similarly, Masonry teaches us about shaping ourselves into better people.

Just like a stonemason sees a rough stone full of irregularities, we can look at ourselves and notice traits or habits that aren't quite what we want them to be. These could be things like anger, jealousy, or dishonesty – aspects of our character that we know could be better. In Masonry, these are symbolically referred to as "superfluous knobs and excrescences."

In operative masonry, which is the actual craft of working with stone, masons use their tools to knock off these rough, unwanted bits, preparing the stone for finer work. This is like us working on our flaws, trying to remove negative traits to make way for better ones. This is not just about getting rid of bad habits, but also about preparing ourselves for greater personal growth.

Masonry teaches that this process is a journey. You start as a man, with the basics, like the rough shaping of the stone. To grow as a person, this means tackling the most obvious issues in our character. It's like laying the foundation for a more intricate and detailed development of ourselves. As we progress, just like the stone that moves into the hands of more skilled masons for fine-tuning, we too, delve into deeper aspects of our character.

So, how do we apply these Masonic lessons?

Start by identifying our traits or habits that we feel could be improved. Are we quick to anger? Do we find ourselves getting jealous easily? These are our "superfluous knobs." Work on them, try to understand why they happen, and actively seek ways to improve.

Remember, it's a journey. Don't expect immediate perfection. Just like the stone doesn't take its perfect shape instantly, character development takes time. Each small improvement is a step in the right direction.

The beauty of these Masonic teachings is that they're not just about personal gain. By becoming better individuals, we contribute positively to those around us and society as a whole. It's about building a character that's not just good for ourselves, but also beneficial for our community.

In conclusion, this masonic lesson is metaphor for personal development. It teaches us to be mindful of our flaws and work on them progressively, contributing not only to our growth but also to the betterment of society. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step. Start with the small things, and slowly, you'll shape yourself into the person you aspire to be.