Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.
Just walk beside me and be my friend.

My dad loved this verse – so much so that he bought a poster of it and put it up in our basement.

When I think of this, I consider the masonic journey that we are all on. Our General Charge reminds us some must rule and govern, while others must submit and obey. Is this not contrary to what I just said? I don’t think so because we all must work together for a common purpose and our responsibilities must change from time to time.

I think of the role of the Deacon during an Initiation or any subsequent degree. The Deacon guides – not leads – the candidate. He is on the candidate’s right side, taking him safely through the ceremony. Why on the right side? Because then the Deacon has his weapon hand free to defend any attempts to interfere with the candidate. This reminds us of the importance of travelling wherever our Masonic journey takes us in the company and alongside our brothers.

At many GL Communications in the past, we have heard MW Bro. Bill Fitzsimmons talk about “going back in the box” at the end of a Grand Line run. This is where the humility admonition of the General Charge comes back. One may lead for a while, but good leadership also means knowing when to step back and let others have their moment to take a leadership role.

Look at those who walk beside you in your Masonic journey. Value those friendships. As Hamlet says to Horatio, “Give me that man that is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him in my heart’s core.” Find fellow travelers who are not given to extremes but will help you navigate the path. When necessary, be that companion.

I am fortunate to call many brethren across this Grand Jurisdiction friend and to know that they walk alongside me on this journey. There is no place I would rather be than in such good company.

Less than two months to go now. I have been blessed in every aspect of this journey. I hope to see as many of you as possible at our Grand Lodge Communication in Saskatoon and to celebrate alongside you.

Find Your Centre

MW Bro. Patrick Davis, Grand Master 2024-25