Brad’s Virtual [Masonic] Desk

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 …

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year because it embodies new hope.  Observing the seasons that we witness as residents of Minnesota, this time of year demonstrates plants coming back to life, thawing ground, and the return of our animal friends.  It is a continuing cycle of regeneration and a symbol of continuous change.  It is the catalyst of a new set of scenes to be enjoyed.

Embracing change can be challenging.  While often positive, unexpected changes can unsettle those affected. How we respond to such matters can define how others perceive and interact with us. This is why I have a deep appreciation for motorcycles; they represent the true freedom inherent in humanity. However, the freedom I speak of isn’t just about where a motorcycle can take us, but a reminder that we coexist with the planet, not merely live on it. When unexpected weather strikes or unknown road construction impedes our progress, we have the freedom to choose our response. The trials and tribulations of motorcycle travel remind us that we are alive and, I believe, the reasons for it.  Author Viktor Frankl describes this freedom as the last of the human freedoms:  the ability to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances. 

In mathematics, change is symbolized by the Greek character delta, represented as a triangle. This symbolism invites further reflection: triangles, while inherently stable shapes, possess the capacity to transform based on the angles they comprise. Moreover, the significance of their sides and the sum-total of their angles offer food for thought and contemplation. I leave this profound reflection to you, but I am reminded of the words of Stephen Covey: ‘All things are created twice – the idea and the realization.’ During times of new beginnings, it is important to dedicate focus and time to planning for new endeavors.  This is especially true in more chaotic times of stacked commitments and lively activity of re-emergence – something else spring represents for many of us.

Imagination, conscience, and ability to self-reflect are attributes that make us uniquely human.  We can each decide to improve ourselves and unlock the ability to transform thought into action.  We aspire to do so with integrity and with the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.  Our tools remind us of the gentle application of our craft in these endeavors and the responsibilities inherent in it.

There is ample space for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and successes both in life and within Freemasonry. While I have a board of ideas and follow-ups for the upcoming year, it’s essential to recognize that I am not the sole voice of education. I am grateful to those who have found value in my contributions and have shared their thoughts with me.

Engaging as teachers enhances our abilities as students, and engaging as students enriches our capabilities as teachers.

“Travel well my Brothers”. I closed my talk at MCME with these words.  I suspect they were well received because they were genuine and from my heart. 

I have become taken by symbols, the meanings they convey, and individual interpretations. Fascinated by hearing the stories and others’ understanding of how they apply to their specific circumstances, I love to listen and learn.  Given that, it is probably not surprising that talks of artists, seasons, how the planets move, and imitating the Devine plan are of particular interest to me.  The first symbol that sparked my imagination was a certain point within a circle that I’m told exists in every well governed lodge. 

I have learned that I am not alone in this interest because I have had no shortage of people to talk to about it.  From the MN Manual (Badge of a Mason) we learn, “From east to west Freemasonry extends, and between the north and south in every clime and nation, are Masons to be found.”  A few interesting symbols to consider there – directions and a celestial path which might be recognized if another symbolic context is considered.

 “Life is a gift from our Maker; a Divine spark kindled in mortal Clay; a gleam of light; a vision of gladness and then back to its Creator in everlasting fellowship. What each man crowds into his short period of time is his memorial. It is indelibly imprinted upon the hearts of those who were privileged to enjoy his fellowship.”  Beautiful words which can be found in our funeral work and are sadly at the forefront of my mind.  I have recently said goodbye to too many friends and Brothers – each having played an important teacher role in my life.

Spring to summer, summer to autumn, and autumn to winter is the natural order of things.  Though I am sad, I am happy for the memories, and proceed on my journey – pressing through obstacles, and things that may seem ugly in the moment.

In times of need, I often turn to music for comfort.  A few of my articles have referenced lyrics that have touched my heart.  Another one that I have been listening to repeatedly comes from a VNV Nation song, “I’ve crossed plains and the mountains, traversed oceans.  From my home to the corners of the world.  And for a moment I thought I heard you whisper.  Mistaken for the wind across the stones.”  There’s a lot to drill in-on in that verse, but I’ll pick on “corners of the world.”  Isn’t it curious that this phrase made it into our vernacular when we know the world is a sphere?  Is this a holdover from when we thought the world was flat?  Perhaps, but consider this …

If you look at astronomical symbols, you might see some you recognize.  The depiction of the earth is a quartered circle – each line representing a direction.  The circle being 360 degrees has four equal corners of 90 degrees.  On reflection, I hope you understand why I would suggest that you are traveling them.  It is another symbol that I would argue is present in all regular and well-governed lodges. 

Finding balance between the mind, spirit and body is a key to happiness on our journey.  Herman Hesse’s book Sidhartha notes, “I can think, I can wait, and I can fast.”  Interesting skills that I believe correlate to mastering the mind, spirit, and body.  I would suggest that we continue to work on this mastery so that, “… and late, very late, in life may you be transferred from the fading honors of an earthly Lodge to the mansions prepared for the faithful in another and better world.” 

I know these observations may seem somber.  Zooming out, they should bring hope of a new day and a greater perspective of what it means to live a life well lived.  May this bring you comfort and cause reflection that some day we may arrive at a different station of wisdom – one that looks back on the experience of a temporary physical existence and surrounded by those who we found ourselves missing. 

Again, travel well my Brothers.

I can no longer believe in coincidence.  Strengthsfinder tells me that I have a propensity for connectedness, and I’ll admit that I may biased because of that.  None the less, I think it is safe to say that this is a bias shared by many in our fraternity.  Throughout our teachings, we see many references to honoring those around us, and understanding that we are all one big family.  This is perhaps most apparent when reflecting on how Brotherly love cements us.  I am also reminded of important words I read long ago from Dr. Steven Covey, “Love the feeling is the fruit of love the verb.”  With all the concerns, distractions, and noise of the modern world, these words are so important for us to remember.  It was a natural time to bring these ideas back to the forefront, and I can’t help but think that the world needs Masonry now more than it has in a long time.

Throughout the year, I have been presenting imagery of travel, courage, and inter-connectedness.  I thought about lessons of the men that came before us – and attempted to show how our craft overlaps into these endeavors.  From the extreme courage of our astronaut Brothers to the humble acts of modern-day cowboys roaring on their chrome horses, I tried to find a little something to catch everyone’s attention.  I even traveled back to my childhood and reflected on, “Three is a magic number.”  When you saw that, you may have found it to be a bit silly.  Perhaps it was, but then again, its message seems strangely relevant today.  As you saw in one of my articles, even Tesla thought so.  Again, I can’t help but assume that this all falls into greater alignment with an artist’s plan.

 I’m writing this while listening to Marty Stuart’s “Hobo’s Prayer” and just heard the words, “Face the fact that you’re a circle in a world full of squares…   Trading sorrows for tomorrows, now that’s the hobo’s prayer.”  Deep.  A lesson imparted to me by the kind heart of a Brother that thought I’d enjoy seeing Marty in concert.  I might not have found him or those words otherwise.  Referring to the Minnesota manual, I see that, “MUSIC teaches the art of forming concords, so as to compose delightful harmony …”

My travels led me to the door of the lodge.  No one pushed me, and I asked to take part in its labors.  In fact, I declared upon my honor that I voluntarily sought admission and that I had a desire to help my fellow creatures.  I am reminded of this when I hear the Chaplain say these words, “will You be pleased so to influence our hearts and minds that we may each one of us practice, out of the Lodge, those great moral duties which are inculcated in it”.  I try to remind myself of that every day – which is why I chose to have my “points in” on my ring.  The world is complex, and it constantly presents challenges that chip away at us.  … But we are in this thing called life together.

To set things in motion, we must apply action.  It is not enough to think about solving complex problems.  As I have grown, I’ve realized that the problems are often too complex to face alone.  Life provides us all with a current that pushes on us, tests our integrity, and forces connectivity out of necessity.  We are given multi-layered recipes to ensure continued continuity. 

 Traveling on the level of time, what is important to us should be the interactions we have while here.  Historical figures I have presented in the conundrum were somehow touched by the craft.  While not all Masons, you can find connections between them if you look hard enough.  Six degrees of Kevin Bacon is a true phenomenon, and I would pose that often the connections occur with many less indirections than six.  The planet we live on is much smaller than you may think – especially today. 

These themes inspired me to add these words to our school of instruction traveling trophy many years ago, “This traveling trophy is now presented as a part of the schools of instruction.  It contains tools you are already familiar with – the trowel and the common gavel.  A small messenger bag is also contained within.  It is tiled by sword.  It is emblematical of the repositories we each carry with us everywhere we go.  What will you invest in it?” 

Keep traveling Brothers.  Remember that the most important work of the Craft happens outside of the doors of the lodge room.  Moving into the next year, I hope you will take a journey with me to reflect on the importance of striving to find balance between the body, spirit, and mind – the key to unlocking the ability to make these investments of the heart.   Until then, I hope you make your travels an adventure of the heart and mind.