BRO. SQUARE
Registered User
Well said Raiegn!
#SMIB
#SMIB
The thing is that they KNOW that I am interested. And have yet to say "we are having dinner at such and such time on such and such date feel free to join us. I keep getting that I should show up to dinner, but I'm not going to show up anywhere unannounced or uninvited especially when they already know that I am interested. I just find that to be a bit intrusive or too pushy or desperate.I believe your heart is in the right place.
In my jurisdiction (Texas), dinners are usually before a meeting, and there is usually a standing invitation for interested visitors to join us. If yours is the same, start showing up and meeting people. When they get to know you and you get to know them, then getting a petition will become easy.
Just be patient. Every single brother here has travelled the same road. If you take the time to travel it, you will one day have many brothers, and some of them will be closer than blood relatives.
I understand that and I'm not looking for an invite to join. I already took it upon myself to express interest in joining. I've done that. They say "2B1ASK1" and I have asked one that I know and I addressed it in a letter I sent to the lodge as well. So I understand that no one is soliciting membership I asked in my own free will and accord.I know how you feel. The brother that met me at the door is now one of my closest friends, and I'd rather be in his company that almost anyone else's. And it all started because I just started coming around.
Something that you need to understand is that it is an old custom to never invite anyone to be a Mason. In some jurisdictions, they make no open invitations even for dinners. So, it is incumbent upon you to show up. You will knock on every door that opens to you, which is something that will eventually make sense. You just need to show up and knock on the door.
Thanks @crono782. I tend to have a habit of overthinking things. I get like that with things I find meaningful and important and it's even worse when I don't really understand all terms of what's going on as you can see.I get where you're coming from. I had the same mindset the first time I set about wanting to join and ended up abandoning the whole endeavor because I just got so worked up about it. It wasn't until later that I went about it with less worry.
Honestly, you're overthinking it, trust me. Dinners are usually open to visitors and they are usually before the meetings, though it can be different. Hey, if you come at the wrong time, someone there can probably tell you exactly when to come next time. Or just hang around and wait til they're done and introduce yourself. Concentrate on finding out when their meeting night is and go introduce yourself in person. Speak plainly and tell them that you would like to petition and tell them that you've been visiting already, etc.
I know it sounds improper to be so forthcoming, but you're making it out to be way more complicated than it typically is. There's probably no perfect time to meet and greet and I've never heard of any lodges not accepting petitions unless by very special circumstances. I'd hate for you to spend all this time waiting on them when they might just be waiting on you.
Yeah, that's what I'd do given that you've already expressed interest prior. If nothing else, you can just directly ask what is their specific process and you'll be informed at least.So I just catch them early on a meeting day and the ball shall start rolling from there?
Thanks! @crono782 I will do that. I appreciate your honesty and helpYeah, that's what I'd do given that you've already expressed interest prior. If nothing else, you can just directly ask what is their specific process and you'll be informed at least.
Just my opinion young brother. I think upon the next meeting night you show up and ask in person about your petition. Simply state that you are only following up and that you understand that it is some delay at times in hearing back about your petition. Ask at that point while your there if it is anything you can do while you are there. Again keep your spirits high and stay positive. What was the name and location of the lodge in which you petitioned??No none as of yet. Still waiting to receive one @Bro. Staton
Yes my father in law is a member of that lodge. And he is the person that I asked about joining and receiving a petition. He hasn't mentioned anything since (not to ME at least) so all I have is high hopes that in due time I will receive one. And the lodge is Greensboro #223 in Greensboro, GaJust thinking did you say your father in law or dad was in the lodge you petitioned?? If so you should ask that person directly as well.
Lol I don't know whether that's a good or bad thing, but the well wishes are greatly appreciated and nothing wrong with a little humorWhen I look at your avatar, you remind me -- Bow Wow, Derinique!
All The Best!
Noted kind sir. Thank you very much. Patiently waiting for my time. Anxiously, but patiently.It took me almost a year, the saying all good things come to those that wait. It goes hand in Hand with 2B1Ask1...which you have done already.. It will come...