Every once in awhile we all have to face it, we’re getting older. Our oldest son will be 41 in September. My Father died when he was 42. Our youngest (of six) is 28. Time passes so quickly. In hindsight it always passes faster than at the time we’re living our life. Still, it seems (to me) that I was 45 a few months ago and I’ll be 63 in September. Amazing.
So besides lamenting on my age, what does this have to do with anything remotely important? If I may, I’d like to comment on those around me that are my same age. I deal with people of all ages every day. Attitude is such an important part of who we are. The people I deal with are by nature happier than most. I’ve long since learned that those that are unhappy, don’t need to be in my life. I have way to many things to be thankful for to allow all of that doom and gloom into my life. Have you ever noticed how many people complain? People my age and up spend a lot of time doing that.
Recently I was rereading Jack Canfield’s book on the Success Principals. He was talking about those people in our society that complain because they know there’s something better but are unwilling to go for it. This is a very good point.
My Grandfather used to say, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” In other words, those that ARE willing to do something can complain.
Here’s the bottom line: “When you’re through changing, your through.” If you’ve given up on your dreams, goals, education, relationships, etc. then you’re through. Medical studies show that those who look forward to learning, accomplishing and doing are living longer than those that don’t. I’ll bet that all makes sense to you now, doesn’t it.
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The flag with 13 stars was one of the first symbols that we as Americans accepted. It came to embody who we are as a people and what we stand for in addition to representing all of the states that make up the United States of America.
We live in a world where soundbytes are common. A 10 second soundbyte can represent an entire 2 hour congressional hearing. Or, it could be the best thing said, by anyone in a trial that went 7 days. The point here is that soundbytes to our generation have become standard.
We have also accepted the practice of icons to represent whole thoughts and ideas. Elsewhere in this Blog you’ll find our C4 “green logo” and a picture of the word bank where the marble around the word is cracked. The imagery is unmistakable as we bail out bank after bank.
Our cell phone texting is another case of a few letters representing whole ideas, sentences or thoughts. Tks = Thanks. BTW = By the way. LOL = Laughing out loud. Or my personal favorite, BB BRB = I need to go to the bathroom (biobreak) and so I’ll be right back. Then upon returning, one only need to type on letter, B and the other party knows that you’re now back and ready to pick up where ever the “conversation” left off.
Years ago when I attended high school, I belonged to the honors group called the Phoenix Society. The school had been badly damaged by a fire and my people thought the school was over before it had barely begun. Rising out of the ashes, like the mystic Phoenix Bird was an even better school and thus the Phoenix Society began. In belonging to that society I realized then that the Phoenix was also a symbol for my own life. When I was 9 to 10 years old, we were so poor that I fed my Mother, Brother and two Sisters from trash cans. It was analogous to shopping at different types of stores for gourmet foods. That direct comparison to what I’ve been blessed with must look as though the spirit of the Phoenix lives within me. It does.
That was a bit of a trip to get to the point of this post but I felt someone would want to know about the symbols used. 
The double headed eagle is nearly as old as civilization itself and has been used to represent such great and noble ideas as truth, honor, courtesy, steadfastness, and unyielding strength. It has appeared on garments, shields and has been carved upon the walls of ancient castles, upon time worn coins or emblazoned upon frayed silken banners in ancient palaces. It is still seen in the seals of many modern governments around the world. One can only deduce that the true significance of the double headed eagle is unknown but implies the will of the bearer. To that end, you should know what it means to me as a man and a Mason.
Its two heads, always looking in more than one direction, remind me and my fellow Masons that there is yet even “more light” (knowledge) available to those who will but, listen. In Latin it is: “SPES MEA IN DEO EST.” My hope and trust is in God. And so the foundation of my personal crest is the double headed eagle.
The shield represents security and strength to all of my friends, family and business associates. It also represents my integrity. The castle comes from our family crest that was given to us by Richard the First, the King of England back in the 12 century when we saved his life. Our family motto is: “Action is its own virtue.” The laurel wreath is the sign of victory. In my case it is a constant reminder that victory is mine. I will succeed.
Above the two headed eagle are six stars, one for each of our children. The stars to the right and left of the emblem, 10 in all represent each of our grand children, eight girls and two boys.
Just below the stars is the Masonic Square and Compass. You’ll also note that the square and compass is repeated in the decoration on the bottom of every page and this time has the letter G in the heart of the square and compass.
All of these symbols, emblems and decorations have great meaning to me in my life. Most of us have a symbol or two that evokes great emotion, dedication and understanding. Besides being married to the love of my life, my companion and best friend Margaret, you now know what means so very much to me.
Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, 32 Degree, K.C.C.H. Mason, Serial Entrepreneur, Chairman & CEO, Leader, Speaker, Philanthropist, and Friend.
A successful entrepreneur with 20 companies to his credit, Mr. Rawson is focused on solutions that provide sustainable answers to domestic and global issues. 
