Reflections from the Road: On Brotherhood, Growth, and Knowing Ourselves
The first article I wrote as Grand Lodge Education Officer explored the importance of travel. I wrote it about this time four years ago. It hardly seems possible that so much time has passed.
True to that message, I’ve been on the road again—twice in the last two weeks. One trip took me to Las Vegas, the other to Des Moines. Both centered on leadership, and both gave me something far more valuable: time with Brothers and friends—some long known, others newly met.
In Las Vegas, I found myself reflecting on trust—how it is earned, how deeply it is desired, and how fragile it can be if neglected. I also found myself considering the strange tension of our time. We are seeing a rise in AI companionship and millions of people turning to technology simply to feel heard. At the same time, we have unprecedented tools to learn, discover, and connect. Yet, standing in a room with Brothers, sharing stories over a meal, I was reminded of something simple: nothing replaces authentic human connection.
I was honored to witness a deep friendship whose origin began in a Fellows program—one of those reminders that relationships don’t just happen; they are built over time. I was invited to a dinner celebration at a local favorite burger restaurant as they caught up, and I felt blessed to be included. In turn, I had the opportunity to share one of my own Vegas favorites with two close traveling companions.
Somewhere along the way, I was reminded that I still have much to learn about the people around me. Life has a way of connecting people who need to understand one another. Whether by chance or by design, it serves as a quiet reminder—we are not alone. I left Las Vegas with new friendships from Arizona, New York, and California, and with a renewed appreciation for Brotherhood.
In Des Moines, I had the honor of being one of four speakers discussing Membership and Leadership. None of us collaborated beforehand, yet our messages built upon one another in a way that felt intentional—almost as if the whole had been designed without a human designer. That, in itself, felt like Masonry.
It was a privilege to share the stage with Team Badger (Moises Gomez), RWB Patrick Carr, and Sir Knight Jeff Bolstad, DGM GEKTUSA. Over lunch, we heard from Dr. Richard Deming, who spoke about cancer survivors traveling the world—not simply to see it, but to reclaim their lives and push beyond perceived limits. By the end of his presentation, there were few dry eyes in the room. It was a powerful reminder that while we do not control how much time we are given, we do control how we choose to live it.
I sincerely thank MWB Wade Sheeler, Iowa Masonic Charities, and my Brothers from the great state of Iowa for their hospitality. I was given a hand-crafted Masonic jewelry box, signed by the Brother who made it, and a book signed by the author with a personalized note—things I will always treasure.
I share these experiences because a few things have become clear. Some time ago, I made the decision to embark on this journey. I knew it would require effort and responsibility—but I did not fully understand how much it would shape my life. It is unlikely I would have met any of these men had I not made that choice and because I did, my life is enriched every day.
I have seen Brothers support one another through loss, uncertainty, and moments where words are not enough. I have experienced what it means to know that wherever I go, there is someone genuinely glad to see me—someone willing to extend a hand in friendship. I honestly don’t know anything else like that.
It can be easy to get stuck—to fall into routine, and to quietly ask, “Why me?” The leadership discussions reminded me that struggle is not only real—it is necessary. One comment in particular stayed with me: “Men do not take risks with men they do not trust.” There was a time I would not have been comfortable speaking in front of a room of 100+ people. Growth does not come from comfort; it comes from stepping forward when it would be easier not to. We often interpret those moments as weakness, but in reality, they are the very things that sharpen us.
When I travel and see Brothers connecting from across the country (and even across the world) I am reminded that what we speak of in Masonry is not just words. For those who have found it, it is real.
For those still searching:
Believe. Seek. Travel. Knock.
On both trips home, my thoughts kept returning to three familiar words:
Faith. Hope. Charity.
For much of my life, I thought of these as beautiful ideas. Recently, I’ve come to understand that they are something more. They are a blueprint.
To have faith is to believe in something greater than ourselves—even when the path is unclear.
To have hope is to carry light into dark places.
To practice charity is to give of ourselves, our time, our attention, our presence—in a way that lifts others up.
Without faith, we lose direction. Without hope, the world grows dim. Without charity, we lose the ability to pass these things on to those who are searching—whether they realize it or not.
There is an ancient phrase: “Know thyself.”
It is a simple idea, but not an easy one. In Masonry, we spend a great deal of time learning and reflecting. But if that work does not lead us inward and if it does not help us better understand who we are and how we show up for others, then we may be missing something essential.
Our Grand Master’s theme this year reminds us:
“Everything You Do Matters.”
I have seen that truth firsthand: in the friendships formed over shared meals, in the quiet encouragement that helps someone take a step forward, and in the willingness of a Brother to show up when it would be easier to stay home.
We may never fully understand the impact of our actions, but that does not make them any less important. We live in a world that has made many things easier but not necessarily better. We have systems that provide instant gratification, often at the cost of long-term meaning. The most meaningful things in life: trust, relationships, and purpose all require time and effort.
They always have.
They always will.
That is what makes them uniquely human.
In my travels, I have witnessed faith, hope, and charity in action. I have been reminded once again that I waited too long to begin this journey. Perhaps, in recent years, I have not done enough of it. That is something I intend to change because the truth is, I need it and I need the travel.
There is something about seeing the world, stepping into new places, and sharing time with people who bring light into it that is deeply healing. It fills my cup in a way that few other things can. It reminds me of what matters and brings clarity when life begins to feel too narrow or too routine. Travel, for me, is not just movement—it is renewal. I hope you will join me.
I look forward to the day our paths cross again. Until then, take the time to know yourself… and to know the Brothers around you. In doing so, I hope you will travel well.
With Brotherly Love and Fraternity,
Brad Phelps
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of Minnesota