Ah, yeah, the time commitment is definitely something I'm floundering with. Given the whole "full-time student, full-time employee" status, coupled with the fact that I'm a thousand miles from where I grew up and became a Mason, it's been far too long since I've really attended a meeting.

Local groups are known as Lodges, so named for the building they meet in. And I'm a pretty young man myself. It's never too late to learn more about it, or consider joining! :)

My favorite part is a tossup between the reason I joined and the reason I remained active. I joined because I was drawn to the esoteric side of things - the symbolism, the allegory, the alchemy, the history. I stayed because the sense of community and fraternity was nigh overwhelming. Of course, unlimited swimming in the Fountain of Youth and sipping some wine from the Holy Grail are also perks of joining. :P

Thanks for asking! If you want to know more, I'll answer to the best of my capabilities; if you start considering joining, find your local Lodge and ask around!