Priorities

by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Bro. Brian J. Schimian

*Editors note*
Bro. Schimian wrote this piece a while ago, and I am happy to report, he made it safely. He is currently enjoying the west coast and if you're curious, he did meet his volunteer obligation. I should also mention, being in California, Bro. Brian has a great presentation you might consider for your lodge. ~RHJ


On the cusp of yet another "journey" I am in deep contemplation.  In a few days time, I will be flying from L.A. back to Chicago to pack a few items and drive the 2,000 miles back to L.A.  Fly out Monday night, do what needs to be done Tuesday, meet some Brothers for lunch and start the trek back that night so that I make sure I am back for a volunteer engagement I have committed to that weekend.

After my divorce and moving back to IL from WI, I have already thinned my possessions greatly.  Here is the tricky part, U-Haul has made the renting of a trailer financially impossible.  I have a full size quad cab pick up truck with a hard bed cover and a Harley to get moved to Cali.  I will have to take the hard cover off the truck and leave it in IL. with my H3, putting the Harley in the bed (hopefully) which greatly reduces the room for my stuff.  The last time I drove this trip, it was the other direction and a different route.  Now I have to prioritize my few belongings and decide what stays and what comes with me for the foreseeable future.

What can not come with me are things like my grandparents dresser set or my year old queen bed.  My kitchen set has to stay along with my plates and utensils and my rolling tool box.  Luckily I packed heavy on the flight out and most of my clothes are already here.  I have things that need to come with me like fire helmets, bins of books and family keepsakes and some tools.  Tools that I just bought because I had sold all my power tools before moving less than a year ago.  I don't believe that I will be able to close the tailgate of my truck, so the bicycle mount and my mountain bike will have to stay.

My question to you is this... In a life that is supposed to be more esoteric and free of material wealth and when I have already removed so much from my possessions, how do you prioritize what you take with you and what you leave behind for an unknown amount of time?

P.S. - The Humidor and Masonic Artifact Collection are coming with me... after loading my Harley, they will be next to secure a place in the truck.

~BJS

Bro. Brian Schimian is Life of Member A.O. Fay #676 in Highland Park Illinois and the Medinah Shriners - Lake County Shrine Club. He was also the Past Master Counselor of DeMolay - Lakes Chapter in 1995. Most recently, Brian became a Companion of the York Rite, joining Waukegan Chapter #41 R.A.M. Brian is a father of two children. You can follow his blog "It is. In God. I do." where he publishes even more excellent content. "Start Square, Finish Level"

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