How many college students can fit into a tiny car or phone booth? How many absolute essentials can a woman place in her evening bag? Now many items can a man stuff into his suit pocket and still have the jacket lay properly? How many grapes can a youngster pack into his mouth before they come tumbling out?

Sand patted down in a pail by a child, and patted down yet again to make room for more; the suitcase so full that you have to sit on it to close it; "another few lines" on the aerogramme written in script so small that the recipient will almost need a magnifying glass to read it; just one more bite, we promise ourselves that as we dig again into the chocolate mud cake, although we are already stuffed to the gills.

People seem to be obsessed with cramming as many things as possible into a minimal amount of space. From closet organizers to pocket organizers, we want to make full use of space, both tangible and intangible. own "state of the union" address.

In addition, this time is a focus on the future, an opportunity to plan ahead armed with the wisdom gained from experience. It gives us the chance to concentrate on how we will do things differently in this new year.

But there is a third aspect to this season. While we are remembering the past and considering the future, we are still living in the present. And in this present, our Masonic teachings invite us to use the entire period to fill up our space with as many good deeds and good thoughts as we can. We are encouraged to add to our Masonic participation in the Blue Lodge and in the other appendant and concordant bodies We are encouraged to give more of a charitable nature to our respective Masonic and non-Masonic charities. Certainly there are many of these. As we have been told, Masons give $2 million a day, every day in the year, to charities.

In this time, we are urged specifically to give extra donations, extra charity, to benefit those less fortunate than ourselves, to benefit those organizations and ideals in which we believe so heartily. It's the time in word, in thought and in deed to wish and to bless our friends, our neighbors and our relatives for a happy, peaceful and prosperous new year.

Using the "space" we are given during this period of time of renewal, we are urged to use it to its fullest capacity so that we may not only benefit ourselves but benefit the myriads around us. How can we love the Great Creator whom we can not see if we do not also love his children who are around about us each day.

And when should all this take place? This is the season, This is "The best of times is now," and indeed, we do live in a wonderful world.

Melville H. Nahin was elected Deputy Grand Master at the October 1997 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. He is a past master of Ionic Lodge No. 520, Los Angeles, as well as of Southern California Research Lodge.

Brother Nahin received his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School in 1953, now a practicing attorney for 44 years. For the past 26 years he has been an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

One of his major contributions to Grand Lodge was his valued service to the Jurisprudence Committee of Grand Lodge of which he was chairman 1994-1995, as well as 18 years on the Trial Review Committee. He is the recipient of the Isadore Moore Masonic Service Award and the Verling Kersey Award for Outstanding Contributions to Youth. Venerable Master of Los Angles Bodies Scottish Rite, he has been coronetted with the 33rd degree. He is chairman of the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic.

Brother Nahin is a former vice president and Trustees chairman of Hollywood Temple Beth El, while his community activities include membership of National Board of Directors of City of Hope. He has received the George Washington Medal of Honor.

He and his wife Alice have been married for 48 years and have two children, Bruce, an attorney, and Richard, a research scientist.

Few Masons have been elected a line officer of the Grand Lodge with a background of Masonic service as has Melville H. Nahin. California Freemasonry is the beneficiary of his experience and dedication.