Gary Leazer, KCCH

Mentors make our journey through life easier and more worthwhile.

In the Masonic circle I find myself in, I hear more and more emphasis on the importance of mentors for our journey as Freemasons. Mentors, it is said, will make our journey through life easier and more worthwhile. I have been thinking about that lately and about the mentors—living and dead—who have helped me come to this point in my journey through life.

A dictionary defines mentor as a “wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” We find mentors in many places. Sometimes we search them out. Sometimes they search us out. Sometimes we find mentors quite by accident.

We learn important lessons as we read books written by wise men who have personal experiences which they share with us. Often there is an important lesson in a word spoken to us in passing.

John Claypool, a minister friend of mine, tells a story called “The Keeper of the Springs.” He got it from the late Peter Marshall, a Presbyterian minister, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, and a Freemason.

It seems years ago a village in Germany paid a small sum to an old mountaineer who week by week saw to it that the springs that fed the village river were kept clear of any debris or impurities. It worked well for many years, until a cost-cutting mayor decided these services were unnecessary and terminated the relationship. The effects were not immediate, but in time they made themselves felt. The river ceased to be pure and sparkling. The level of water-related diseases began to climb, and eventually the whole village was affected adversely. At that point, someone remembered the old keeper of the springs, and he was rehired to do his quiet but important work. Before long, the river was clear again, and the overall welfare of the village improved. Dr. Marshall applied this legend to the impact of the home on the larger society.

But I want to go a different direction with this parable. Within each of our Lodges, there are wise men who work quietly behind the scenes to perform some important work. It might be to make repairs to the Lodge building or to visit a Brother or a widow who is sick or otherwise in need of help or friendship. It would certainly be the one who coached us as we began our lives as Masons.

It might be that Mason who mentors a newly made Mason as he begins his journey in the Fraternity. All of us are concerned about the number of Masons who begin the journey, but who drop out and become inactive.

We lament the declining number of men who petition for membership as Masons, but I am also concerned about those who are Masons but who no longer are active. They cite many reasons: job and family obligations, age, illness, and so forth. But some are inactive because they did not find someone to teach them. When a man receives his Master’s Degree, he is just beginning a great journey. But, he needs someone to help him take those first—and most important—steps.

Think back in your own life. Who were the people who most influenced you? Your parents? If so, I am certain they taught you many valuable lessons. Your teachers? All of us have that special teacher. A book? Who were your mentors? How many mentors do you have? You do not have to be told they were and are important to you.

Now I would ask, “Are you a mentor to someone who needs help over the rough spots in life?” As Masons, we are taught the importance of going to the aid of those in distress. We are taught the importance of helping someone be all he or she can be––a word of encouragement, a pat on the back, a phone call, a card or visit, or sharing how we have overcome a problem that person may be having.

Having mentors is important. Being a mentor is just as important. Let’s pass on some of life’s wisdom our mentors have taught us. Let’s keep the “stream” clean and clear for those depending on us. I would bet that you and the one you mentor would both grow as Masons.

Note: Reprinted with permission from CIS Masonic Report, A Publication of the Center for Interfaith Studies, Vol. 8, No. 1 (August 2003)

Gary Leazer, Valley of Atlanta, was on the staff of the Interfaith Witness Department of the Southern Baptist Convention for 14 years. Since 1994, he has been CEO of the Center for Interfaith Studies and editor of the CIS Masonic Report. Contacts: P.O. Box 870523, Stone Mountain, GA 30087; Tel. 770-979-6313; garyleazer@mindspring.com.