Brad’s Virtual [Masonic] Desk

Many of us face challenges in balancing our interests and needs with the demands of everyday life. In response to this struggle, I revisited the book, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Available in both print and audio formats, I highly recommend it for its valuable insights about achieving balance. While listening, I reflected on my accomplishments this year, particularly in terms of my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Although I will maintain some privacy regarding specific achievements, I am pleased to share that I have made significant progress in weight loss, which marks an ongoing journey towards better physical health. The strategies outlined in the book, such as accountability partners and habit stacking, played a crucial role in this progress. While engaged in my reading, I indulged in one of my rewards – a honey drop candy.

This sweet is deeply meaningful and reminds me of what I strive to be.  Honey is timeless and never spoils.  As it is stated in Atomic Habits, bad habits bring instant gratification or benefit with long-term sacrifice.  Good habits are achieved with short-term sacrifice and bring long-term benefits.  When you think about honey, it is a pretty fascinating substance – collected and stored by the hive, inhospitable to growing microorganisms or spoilage, and has been used since ancient peoples.  It is worth considering the valuable insights gained from reflecting on how honey benefits the hive, and the fact that honey can outlast the worker bees that produce it. 

I wouldn’t be a very good Freemason if this didn’t immediately remind me of the beehive and what it symbolizes.  As this Grand Lodge of Ohio article points out, “As Albert Mackey wrote in his Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, following the regulated labor of bees in the hive naturally deems it an appropriate emblem of systematized industry. When reflecting on our ancestors in the operative lodges, the old meaning of Industry described how the guilds’ work was completed without modern heavy machinery. In this antiquated system of Industry, individual stonemasons were assigned specific tasks based on their skill level, whether it was carrying a stone or building tools or sculpting a proper piece for the structure. Every man from the apprentice to the master was essential for completing the job just as every bee contributes to the success of the hive.”

I once heard that everyone needs three types of friends: a truth-teller, a confidant, and a steadfast companion who is available regardless of the time or place. I am grateful to have such individuals in my life, all of whom happen to be Freemasons.

While listening to James Clear, I thought of one such friend, and realized that I should call him to catch up. To be candid, this is a friendship I never anticipated forming, yet I would now trust him to the ends of the Earth. He is an exceptional person and a dear friend who desires nothing but the best for me and for our fraternity. Consequently, he offers valuable advice when I slip, and I value and trust his feedback. My heart swelled when I attended the Scottish Rite reunion in Forest Lake and was greeted by this Brother upon my arrival.

I believe this is one of the greatest gifts of our fraternity:  bringing like-minded men together that would not necessarily cross paths in their every-day walks of life and allow them to meet on the level as Brothers.  Their individual contributions, knowledge, and interests each have the great potential to help us learn, grow, and form a stronger hive. 

We have much to learn from the great works of the Grand Architect of the Universe, his thoughts, presence, and his will which is reflected in the natural order of things.  As Masons, I hope we take time to pause and be mindful of the wonders and miracles that surround us.  This includes those that are personified and looking at us in the mirror, and those that sit next to us in our lodges.  In honor of MWB Foster, please be sure to give each one a hug.

After writing down these thoughts, as a thought exercise, I had AI generate a podcast on the subject, and you can find it here if you are interested.

Travel well my Brothers.

Over the past weekend, I traveled to Waite Park for the AD-DR/Leadership Academy. Sometimes it is refreshing to be a fly on the wall and simply observe. On day one, I listened to discussions about marketing, saw strong engagement, and listened in on leadership presentations. One of the benefits of being an observer was the freedom to define the experience on my own terms.  As I was listening, I saw the care and effort that went into these gatherings, and I want to send a heart-felt thank you to those who made it possible.

After the group adjourned on day one, I headed to the hotel, but not before stopping by a local burger joint called Val’s. I’d seen it mentioned on social media and decided it was worth checking out. To be honest, the crowd and the snow almost made me turn back, but I pushed on. Sometimes, stepping outside of our comfort zone leads to the best experiences.

After placing my order, I turned around and ran into Brother Steve. I greeted him with, “Hey, I know you!” We had a great conversation before I headed back to the hotel. What I love about such evenings is the rare opportunity to be free from worry and commitment—a chance to clear my mind and truly relax.  That’s exactly what I did.

The next morning, I woke up to more snow. Hopefully, Mother Nature will get it out of her system before April! I attended additional leadership sessions and engaged in several hands-on, interactive exercises with the DRs. I had the privilege of sitting with RWB Frank, WB Reed, and WB Greg.  Together we quickly realized the importance of effective feedback loops in building a Lego Duplo helicopter. In this exercise, I had to give instructions without being able to see what was being built. While I love books, I find I learn best through hands-on/interactive learning—these exercises were incredibly valuable.

In the afternoon, I participated in more leadership discussions, including a presentation on community networking, how we perceive ourselves as Masons, and how to respectfully address conflict. One of the guest presenters shared a personal story about one of her relatives who worked in coal mines out east. He was supported by his Masonic brothers in finding new employment when he needed the help—a relevant reminder of the importance of our brotherhood.

The discussions were insightful and provided plenty of food for thought, highlighting areas for further study on leadership:  a topic sure to be emphasized in the upcoming year.  I was also given a few new projects that I have already started to kick-off with a little help from AI, and Brothers I have been mentoring in Computer Science.   More on that soon…

While the talks were beneficial, the real highlights came from unplanned moments. First, a dear friend and brother, who winters in Florida, flew back just to attend the conference. It was great to reconnect and catch up with WB Aaron.  I have missed him.  I also had the chance to sit down with Markus, a brother who consistently shows interest and offers much wisdom.  Genuine listening and empathy are priceless gifts we can give each other, and Markus is a shining example of someone who has obviously worked to master this art.

Our conversations touched on life and the choices it presents, which I suspect inspired WB Reed to deliver one of the most memorable orations I’ve ever heard.  You may listen to it on the Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries podcast:  Episode 61.  It is a reflection on life, and our responsibility to focus on the tenants of Freemasonry.  As I posted on social, I encourage everyone and anyone to give it a listen.  For those who wonder what Freemasonry is, it does an excellent job of explaining. 

February is a time to show appreciation for those we love. While this should be a daily habit, I hope everyone took a moment to send a Valentine, share a kind word, or enjoy a meal with loved ones. If not, it’s never too late. As a friend once said, sometimes flowers are most meaningful when given “just because it’s Tuesday.”

Hope is a powerful thing—just as its absence can be. In the coming weeks, I encourage you to reach out to a brother simply because they cross your mind. There should always be time for a cup of coffee with a friend—or at least a quick call to say, “Hello.”

In closing, some have asked if there will be an education breakout session at the annual communication.  Indeed, there will be, and I hope to see you there – coffee in hand.   Until then, travel well my brothers.

In my previous article, I explored the values we hold dear, the pressures we face, and the integrity required to stay true to what matters most. I also touched on the lessons we can learn from our works, and repeated a profound question asked by a past Grand Master, “Are we who we say we are?”   In an earlier piece, I discussed our journey and situation here on Earth: emphasizing the need for balance of body, spirit, and mind.  As we turn our attention to the leadership academy and focus on educational topics like planning and structure, it seems fitting to revisit and connect these themes. 

“Begin with the end in mind. Shape your future by creating a mental vision and purpose for any project, large or small.”  Stephen Covey 
7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Many of the significant challenges we face cannot be solved alone, and within Masonry, it quickly becomes apparent through our symbols and ritual how vital collaboration is. In our Grand Lodge-sponsored training, we guide incoming Junior Wardens to proactively create a calendar for their year well before assuming the role of Worshipful Master. We also coach them to reconcile the various needs for that calendar, ensuring clarity around officers’ and members’ involvement and contributions to the plan.  

“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”  Simon Sinek 
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

To foster an environment free of contention, everyone must understand the vision and their role in it. This requires well-thought-out communication structures and feedback loops—concepts that become even more critical as collaborations extend beyond a single lodge. 

The challenges are not unique to our craft; product development and organizational leadership are key themes across many industries. Unfortunately, one often overlooked pre-condition for success in these areas is understanding team dynamics and making the necessary adjustments to accommodate them. Embracing this means moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and recognizing that people are not interchangeable cogs.  It asserts revisiting our goals and setting iterative objectives that respond to what we learn.  A yearly calendar is a good place to start, but success requires more.   It relies on the relationships we build and how we leverage them. Considering this, I am also reminded of the striking statistic shared by WB Reed about the rise of AI companions and the increasing loneliness in society. Masonry offers a powerful antidote to this trend.  I would ask each of you to consider how well you know your Brothers, their interests, aspirations, and families.

“When you like people and treat them like individuals who have value, you begin to develop influence with them. You develop trust.”  John C. Maxwell 
The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential

This brings us to why I put this article together:  what happens when vision, commitments, or communication cause us friction?  Hopefully we have enough self-awareness to recognize it, and strong enough bonds to discuss and work through it together.   

We are a volunteer organization, which presents unique challenges and demands a leadership style that encourages voluntary engagement. Over the past five years, we’ve encountered additional obstacles and societal shifts, including the widespread transition to remote work. Growing responsibilities, commitments, and competing demands have further strained volunteer time and intensifies the risk of burnout.

As Masons, we are taught the importance of dividing our time effectively. Great leadership books prompt us to look at our various roles and needs and prioritize around them.  In a world that has so many things demanding our time, and with the rise of burn-out, continually reflecting on this is vital.  Continued growth, flexibility, and adaptation to a rapidly changing landscape is important.

“Trust is the foundation of real teamwork.”  Patrick Lencioni
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

In this article, I’ve quoted some thought leaders in the space of organizational leadership and referenced their books.  While not specifically Masonic, they have come up in discussions I’ve had with other Masonic educators relating to leadership concepts.  I have read each, and typically re-read them periodically – each time learning something new.  I hope you find them useful resources, and they help unlock further collaborations and approaches to solving problems with those that are around you.  

There are no easy answers to the challenges we face.  Please take a moment and reflect on how we as Masons might help bring relief to burnout, and help others find their place in Masonry.  I will explore this further in my next Ashlar article.

At a recent area conference, questions were raised about the educational resources available to LEOs and MN Freemasons. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some key resources, explain what they offer, and show you how to access them. While there are many other events and opportunities I could mention, space is limited, and I can’t possibly cover them all in this article. If I’ve missed an educational event or program, please consider submitting a write-up, and I’ll work with you to feature it in the eMason.

If you hear someone asking about educational resources, please direct them to this list or have them contact me directly—I’d be happy to help. If you have suggestions for new educational resources or opportunities, I’d love to hear from you as well. Finally, I enjoy traveling.  If you’d like me to visit your lodge or simply want to chat over coffee, please reach out.

Before we get started, some conventions:

I suspect that everyone knows about Grandview, but just in case:  You can access it via the member login link on http://mnfreemasons.org.

I describe navigation in the following way:
Resource->Menu Item/Link/Heading->Next Menu Item/link (->representing a click or scrolling to a heading on a page)

Let’s Get Started …

Minnesota Educational Opportunities and Programs

MN Manual, MN Masonic Code, Custodian Notes

Information that every Mason should regularly review.  This contains important information about our presentations, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Grandview->Resources->Master Mason->Important Resources

Wayfaring Man Program

The purpose of this program is to promote the visitation of brethren from different lodges so that they can meet on the level and see what is happening in other lodges, whether the Lodge is in the next city, state, or country.

Notes:  One of the most valuable resources in our fraternity is our Brothers. The Wayfaring Man encourages travel, offering opportunities to connect with diverse perspectives and learn about the histories of other lodges. One of my greatest regrets in Masonry is how long it took me to realize the incredible learning opportunities that visiting other lodges provides.

Grandview->Resources->Master Mason->Education Programs->Wayfaring Man Program

Masonic Light Program

Grand Lodge of Minnesota Masonic Light Award Program is designed to build competency and Masonic knowledge in at least seven of nine areas through guided study and in-Lodge activities:  Leadership, Masonic History, Ritual, Masonic Philosophy & Symbolism, Computers & Masonry on the Internet, Lodge Administration, Contemporary Enlightenment, Mentoring, and Concordant/Appendant Bodies.

Grandview->Resources->Master Mason->Education Programs->Masonic Light Award Program

Masonic Education Archive

Google Drive with Education Lodge 1002 Papers, LEO articles, orations, quest books, lodge histories, etc.

Grandview->Resources->Master Mason->Education Programs->Other Masonic Education Resources

Publications

There are LEO articles and conundrum questions/answers quarterly in the Ashlar, and monthly articles in the eMason.   Both are sent to the feeds in Grandview.  The Ashlar is also available via:

Grandview->Resources->Master Mason->Publications->The Ashlar

Masonic Camp

Lose yourself in the company and good fellowship of your brothers for a weekend surrounded by the majestic pines, clear blue waters, and the soft crackle of the campfire for a weekend of Masonic education and fellowship, all within a private retreat.

Notes:  There are educational talks given at the Masonic camp.  The page has not been refreshed yet for 2025, but the camp will be hosted in September.  If you are interested in being a speaker at Masonic Camp 2025, please send me an email.

https://www.masoniccamp.com/home

Grand Lodge of Minnesota YouTube Channel

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota’s YouTube channel features a variety of videos. While the channel has been around for some time, it gained significant content during 2020, including the Build a Better Beehive Series, which provides an overview of the various officer positions in Minnesota lodges.

https://www.youtube.com/@MNFreemasons

Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries Podcast

Podcast hosted by Minnesota Masonic Charities’ John Schwietz and Membership Director Reed Endersbe.  Explore the origins, important figures and philanthropy of Minnesota Masonry.  Find out what Freemasonry is all about, and how the longest-running fraternal organization contributed to the development of the State of Minnesota.

Notes:  Lots of good topics and opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives from Brothers across the state.

https://mnmasoniccharities.org/minnesota-masonic-histories-mysteries-podcast

MN Masonic Facebook Groups

There are several groups in Facebook that are of interest:  MN Masonic Lodge Education Officers along with Area and Lodge groups.

Facebook->Groups->Search Groups

Midwest Conference on Masonic Education

The Midwest Conference on Masonic Education was formed in 1949 at a gathering of interested Masons from Illinois (including Alphonse Cerza) and Iowa.  The outcome was to continue getting together by establishing its first Annual Meeting which was held in December 1950 in Cedar Rapids IA. The organization is comprised of a loose and ever-changing collection of Masonic educators from Grand Lodge jurisdictions located in 12 north central States and the Province of Manitoba. 

The aim of the Conference is to promote Masonic Education, in part by providing a forum for educators to gather, freely discuss Masonic issues, socialize, and learn from sharing experiences while building beneficial relationships.

Notes:  Minnesota is a member of MCME, and it is a great opportunity to network, and learn about other jurisdictions.  The conference travels to different member states and in 2025 will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from May 2-4.   Road trip anyone?

https://mcme1949.org/

One of the remarkable aspects of the Masonic fraternity is the wealth of expertise within our membership. We often emphasize the importance of education and making it accessible to those who seek it. Personally, I have greatly benefited from the connections within our membership and the diversity of backgrounds and skills—ranging from mechanics to construction, and of course:  technology.

I’ve been traveling again, and one of my recent stops was in St. Peter for an area conference. It was wonderful to see so many Brothers in such a beautiful lodge. WB Reed shared a startling statistic about the growing number of men turning to artificial intelligence for companionship.  I find this to be a sad reflection of the times. On a more positive note, I also heard heartwarming stories from some of our younger members. It’s clear that those who engage with our fraternity have no trouble finding new friends and exciting adventures. That said, it’s important for us to listen to their interests and needs, and work to foster connections that promote them.

Expanding on the topic of AI, not all use cases push us toward a dystopian future. Many are already using tools like ChatGPT to generate ideas or refine their thoughts. In fact, the following Masonic poem was written by ChatGPT:

In the lodge where the Brothers unite,
They seek truth in the heart of the night.
With symbols in hand,
Together they stand,
Sharing wisdom that shines ever bright.

While I wouldn’t trade the valuable discussions and feedback I get from my Brothers, there are times when I hesitate to bother them. When researching, I often wish for a way to quickly narrow down specific topics of interest.  ChatGPT might seem like old news, but I’ve been exploring a research tool that’s incredibly useful: Google’s NotebookLM. It’s currently available for free and allows users to import multiple documents, including PDFs, and use interactive chats to answer questions.  It is quick, and extraordinarily useful.   If you are wondering how it would do with loading our MN Masonic Manual or Code, here is a screenshot:

If you are like me and can never quite remember which section covers a specific topic, this might be a great tool for you. 

You might have noticed from the example above that when using NotebookLM for research or summarizing, it cites sources and is limited to the content loaded into it.  This makes it an awesome tool for discovery or focused research without the worry of noise from unintended content. Additionally worth noting is that you can link to YouTube videos or websites, further expanding its usefulness.  

One of its more fascinating features is the ability to generate a two-person AI podcast based on the content it processes—an innovative way to engage with new material. Imagine uploading a book and having it generate discussions that you can listen to!

In closing, I understand that AI can be a very scary proposition – but it is an invaluable tool for learning and research.  I hope this article brings you a little wonder and excitement about the possibilities it offers.  Perhaps it can help you to do some research for a Masonic paper or podcast.  I’d love to read it or listen.

Until then, travel well my Brothers.

Recently, I returned to the eye doctor after far too long. I was relieved to hear that my vision hadn’t changed much, and it was the perfect opportunity to refresh my look. I decided to honor my grandfather by choosing a classic pair of horn-rimmed glasses, along with a more adventurous second pair with blue transitions. Not only did they look cool, but they also offered practical benefits for driving.

When I put on the second pair (the ones that were not a typical choice for me), I felt an instant boost in self-confidence. For a moment, my worries faded away, and I was ready to take on the world. Was this a bit vain? Perhaps, but it didn’t feel wrong. However, I realized that such fleeting moments, while uplifting, aren’t enough to truly inspire change in my life.

In the grand scheme, it might not seem significant—just a passing feeling. But maybe it is worth exploring further.

“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”  – Bro. Will Rogers, US humorist and showman (1879-1935), Claremore Lodge No. 53 A.F.& A.M., Oklahoma, USA

For some time now, there has been a movement to equate leadership with outward self-confidence. This perspective overlooks an older ideology that emphasizes caring for others, keeping our word, and holding each other accountable; principles rooted in ethics and reflection on our thoughts and actions.

The divide seems to have deepened as we build our own prisons of isolation, brick by brick, cementing our solitude with the false comfort of technology. The dopamine fixes from social media notifications only reinforce our place in this new reality, drawing us further inward. In a society that has turned so introspective, we may not even recognize what’s happening—much like how my glasses momentarily clarified my vision.

In many ways, Masonry holds the key to the happiness and sense of contribution that our spirits truly crave. It resonates with one of the best compliments I’ve received recently: “You bring calmness through your ability to create order from chaos.” This remark from a friend in pain reaffirmed that I’m on the right path. We should all take to heart the important question posed by Most Worshipful Brother Tom McCarthy at Rochester Lodge #21: “Are we truly who we say we are?”

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”  – Bro. Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, politician, & printer (1706-1790), St. John´s Lodge of Philadelphia, USA

Assuming we can avoid the ‘fake it till we make it’ hero mentality of merely filling rosters or checking off agenda items, and instead transform our thoughts into actions of competence and compassion, we unlock a tremendous gift: lifetimes of wisdom dedicated to a common mission and purpose, veiled in symbols and allegory.

While lodge business and buildings are necessary, they do not define Masonry.  Most Worshipful Grand Master Foster Solem has it right when he points us to the meanings of ritual for guidance. Where are you investing your time, and are you truly reaping the rewards? If not, why not? Are you willing to partner with those around you to make the world a better place? Are you learning and tending to the needs of your brothers and fellow men? … Or do you feel pressured to set those concerns aside in favor of simply checking boxes?           

We Masons are among the fortunate ones who are taught to meet together with others opposing convictions or competitive ideas and yet respect each other as Brothers. — Albert Pike US author, poet, orator, editor, lawyer, jurist, and soldier (1809 – 1891), Western Star Lodge of Arkansas

This article is not intended to evoke sadness or diminish the essential activities of a functioning lodge. Instead, like my glasses, it aims to bring clarity and focus. I hope to encourage readers to reflect on what truly matters and inspire a deeper, purposeful contribution to the greater sense of connectedness—something I deeply value. Without Freemasonry and the support of the Brothers who have invested in me, I would not be where I am today. I wish the same for all good men that found themselves knocking at our door.   If you need someone to study with, I am here and would love to hear from you.

Until then, travel well.

When it rains, it pours – or so they say. This isn’t so much about the probability of things stacking up, but rather about how attuned we are to situations as they arrive. As I’ve mentioned in previous writings, this is one of the reasons I love riding motorcycles in all kinds of weather. On long trips, I know that rain is inevitable, and I’ve learned to embrace it. While it may seem unpleasant in the moment, pushing through it and reaching my destination makes success that much sweeter.   … So it is with a life well lived—and its challenges are more rewarding when shared with traveling companions. I have countless stories of how the craft has blessed me with wonderful traveling partners.  I am thankful for the opportunities those travels have unlocked for my companions and for me.

Sometimes, it makes sense to pull over, take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned, or consider who we can ask for help. Once on my way to the Black Hills, I lost a seat bolt in the middle of nowhere. Two things came out of that experience: 1) I now keep a spare bolt in my tool bag—just in case, and 2) I’m always amazed by people’s willingness to help, even in the most remote places, as long as I’m willing to ask.  The reality is that we all need a little help from time to time.

There is so much we can learn together and apply to our shared experience of life, especially through the lens of Masonry. Hearing contributions, questions, and lessons from different people and perspectives makes the journey even more rewarding. While I’m sure that stories about motorcycles, famous Masons, symbols, or technology resonate with some of you, in retrospect, I’d love to hear from more voices. Your insights and perspectives make Masonic education more complete and engaging. With your help, we can reach even more Brothers and get them excited about the processes of learning.  Additionally, we have so many canvases to choose from:  discussions, writing, video, and presentations.

I would love to hear from you! We have writer’s guild pins for anyone who submits an article for publication—whether for the eMason or other publications. If you’re interested in submitting an article or collaborating on one, please reach out. I’d love that and I have a pin waiting for you.

If you haven’t yet engaged with the Wayfaring Man or Masonic Light programs, I encourage you to do so. If you’re looking for ideas for a Masonic talk, please check out the resources curated in Grandview, and on our Grand Lodge YouTube channel.  I love to travel, so if you’d like me to visit your lodge, let me know, and I’ll do my best to make our discussions engaging.

Lastly, if you have ideas for Minnesota Masonic education, please don’t hesitate to reach out. If you don’t have my email or phone number, you can contact your DR/AD or the Minnesota Grand Secretary.

In closing, I appreciate everything you do for the fraternity and your efforts to further promote Masonic education.  Until our paths next cross, travel well.

Life is a great teacher. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” I can’t think of truer words. As I’ve shared before, this is one of the reasons I love traveling by motorcycle—it naturally presents us with adversities and challenges that may seem miserable in the moment but can be celebrated as a badge of honor once overcome. I imagine this is how it will feel when our last day comes.

I’ve been writing about this because life recently reminded me of its temporary nature. First, I lost an older and wiser friend, a prominent Mason in the South. While his passing saddened me, it wasn’t entirely unexpected given the many steps he had already taken on his journey. The second loss was a complete shock—a dear friend and Brother who was younger than me. Ryan was one of the most genuine, sincere, and gentle souls I’ve ever known. He had a unique ability to brighten any room, and I could fill pages with the funny stories and experiences I was blessed to share with him.

When I learned of his passing, I was shattered. Then, unexpectedly, I felt anger, and now I find myself in disbelief—I keep expecting a call saying it was all a mistake or that I’ll wake up from a bad dream. This tragic accident has deeply affected me and many others whose lives Ryan touched. To understand the impact he had, one only has to look at the memories and thoughts shared by those who knew him—my friend and Brother. Alas.

It’s hard to find anything positive in moments like this, but such events remind us of the impact we have on others. We get to smile at the warm memories shared in reflection of a life well lived. One of my favorite memories of Ryan is the time we set a mannequin dressed as a clown on my front porch, rang the doorbell, and hid in the bushes, giggling as we waited for Amanda and Nyssa to answer the door. He brought much-needed laughter into my life and was always there when I needed him. I will miss him deeply.

In reflection, we’re reminded of “how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close. Today he puts forth the tender leaves of hope; tomorrow, blossoms, and bears his blushing honors,” and then “…he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth.” These words certainly put things in perspective, prompting us to consider how we spend our time and our duties to one another and the families left behind. As a friend one told me, “I may not know much about the future, but I know that it will be Brothers will lay me to rest.” I am also reminded of the faith I hold—that in the blink of eternity, I will be reunited with those I love who have temporarily gone ahead.

When my grandfather died, I saw Masons bring a Masonic flower arrangement to his funeral. I recognized the symbol, but I was uncertain what it truly meant. One of them approached me and asked me if I was a traveler. At the time, I didn’t really understand the significance of that question. … But now I do. For you see, I sought out the craft shortly after that day and in the words of Robert Frost, “ …that has made all the difference.”

Travel well my Brothers.

Fifteen states in fourteen days – this is the adventure I’ve been on over the past few weeks. When it all started, I did not realize that this was where I would be headed, but it is where my road took me. The time was coupled with family, friends, shows, sights, smiles, good food, good music, and a few good books.

The first leg took my family to the Grand Canyon through several beautiful waypoints. This was not the first time I had taken this trip; I had scouted it previously with one of my motorcycle adventure companions. This time, I took a break to look at the Petroglyphs in Capitol Reef National Park with my family. The history here is breathtaking – reflected in the old buildings and more importantly in the Petroglyphs. It is impossible not to be taken aback by the age of these depictions – showing that there was human activity and works going on so long ago. While we may not know exactly what they were trying to convey, it is an interesting exercise to get a glimpse into their existence and try to understand what it must have been like living in the world then and adapting to it.

We continued our adventure on to one of the most beautiful roads I have traveled: the scenic byway on Hwy 12 on the way to Bryce Canyon national park in Utah. After digesting the majesty and beauty seen from Highway 12, we continued to the Grand Canyon and the beautiful town of Williams, AZ. Here I found evidence of Brothers – although I was sad that I missed lodge by one night. None-the-less, I knew they were there – doing good work. We continued down Route 66 (sometimes known as the Will Rodgers highway) going toward Gallup. Here we stayed at the historic El Rancho hotel – where we saw other smiling faces including Bro. John Wayne and Bro. Gene Autry on its walls.

After returning home, I made my way to Northwest Minnesota by way of South Dakota, Wyoming, and North Dakota (another story for another day) to join the Masonic Camp at Moccasin Valley Camp for some reflection and Brotherhood in the grounding force of mother nature. It was a fitting conclusion to the end of this specific adventure – surrounded by brothers who were anxious to learn, share stories, and celebrate the circumstances in which we are brought together.

I was also pleased and honored to present alongside my great friend Markus Müller. While together, I remembered the events of the past several days and was re-reminded of the importance of finding balance between the body, spirit, and mind (and the importance of Brotherly Love to that equation). I reflected on the importance of resolving ideas with action as events unfolded into works that will remain with me for the rest of my life. I found rest and rejuvenation in the nurturing blanket of the wilderness that surrounded us. I learned so much by listening to the ideas, concerns and excitement of my Brothers. If you are looking for such a get-away, I would highly recommend the Masonic Camp – which will return in 2025.

A plan was made and acted upon. Much of it went as planned, but there were some hiccups along the way (120-degree heat in Las Vegas comes to mind). We lived, we learned, and we continued to travel – with the support and interest of Brothers. Living in the moment, plans were put into action, and we enjoyed the experience. I think there is much to be gleaned from all of this, and the Masonic principles applied.

Time always passes by. This is a sad reality to our existence. Tomorrow may never come; this is why it is important to put into action those things you have been “thinking about”. Learning, engaging and giving back: a recipe that I would propose has helped humanity to continue in peace and harmony from the petroglyphs that reflect works from thousands of years ago to the smiling faces of Hollywood heroes of yester-year. What will your chapter say?

Travel well my Brothers.

Last month, I made the decision to unhook and take a day trip to Des Moines on one of the Sportsters to see Bad Religion and Social Distortion in concert. There are so many reasons why this was important. I am certain many of you can understand why a break is needed after the growing snowball that is spring Masonic activities. I hope you take a few moments to catch your breath and reset – something we should each do on the regular.

Originally, I thought that this would be like other summer trips – with a friend accompanying me. That did not work out, and I ended up doing the trip by myself. That turned out to be OK, and with my spare ticket, I was able to help someone get into a sold-out show. I must admit that I almost didn’t go, and I almost left the motorcycle at home. … But a little voice in my head reminded me that motorcycle trips would be scarce this year, and I may not have the opportunity to see these bands again. I put the fear aside and made the trek.

Every time I take a two-wheeled adventure, I can unhook from the hustle and bustle of normal life and focus on the road and the conditions I encounter. It’s not always pleasant in the moment (think hail), but every experience reminds me that I am alive. Each adventure adds to my story, and each experience contributes to who I am. Each trip disconnects me from the worries that make up my normal day and brings me back to a place where I can live in the moment. It does not matter if it is a two day or two-week adventure – if I’m traveling on two wheels, I escape if only for a moment.

Even with companions and worrying about their needs, there is still plenty of “me time”. On this trip, it was all “me time.” This might sound like a selfish observation or thing to celebrate, but “me time” is what allows for meditation and self-reflection. To be honest, I haven’t had much time for that lately and I suspect I am not alone. This is not a good thing.

The trip was delightful. No rush or stress except for a show I was looking forward to and the rush I would get from it. I was a bit anxious about going to a punk show – something I hadn’t done before.

That was unfounded. The venue was beautiful, and the mass of people that were there were all very friendly and unthreatening. On the way down, I reflected on a lyric from another recent concert I attended with my friend Kurt, “trading sorrows for tomorrows.” The show provided two additional lyrics from each of the bands playing, “What the world needs now is some answers to our problems. We can’t buy more time ‘cause our tender isn’t valid” and “I hope it’s not too late because tomorrow, may never come. Reach for the sky ‘cus tomorrow may never come. Yesterday is history and tomorrow’s a mystery, but being here right now, it’s just about you and me”.

There is an opportunity to venture into nature and spend time with Brothers. If you have not heard of the Masonic Camp, please visit their website to learn more. The camp will be occurring in 2024 July 19-21 in Erhard, MN. I hope you will consider joining us, and as eloquently stated on the website, “Lose yourself in the company and good fellowship of your Brothers for a weekend surrounded by majestic pines, clear blue waters, and the soft crackle of the campfire for a weekend of Masonic education and fellowship, all within a private retreat.” If we have traveled together, we likely have had moments like this, and I am grateful for them.

It is also nice to sometimes have moments that are mine alone. Treasured moments that if I share my reflections, I hope others may find some value in.

The concert and music remind me of another set of words that inspire me. … From a book that a friend and I are reading together, “I can think, I can wait, and I can fast.” I first discovered Siddhartha by Herman Hesse when I was 17 and am still working on these important skills today.

Although the road is my river, I see the faces of the many who have made a difference as I make my way from beginning to end. I smile as I reflect and discover myself in the process …