Me, a guide? It's a bit intimidating to think that I would be in a position to serve as an example or model to be followed. Doesn't that imply perfection? If that's one of the requirements, then I definitely don't fit the description. The definition doesn't mention perfection but it does refer to a guide as one who has greater experience with the course to be pursued. Okay, now that's a requirement I can get behind. If someone wants to know how not to botch things up the way I have in certain areas of my life, or even how I have succeeded in other areas, then I can guide.
Yep, I've lived long enough to have some pertinent life experience under my belt that might be helpful to someone else trying to navigate similar waters. Anyone who has reached puberty could make the same claim, especially in today's culture. I'm referring to the good, bad and ugly that happens simply by the very virtue of living on this planet. And it's not just stuff that happens between us and other people; it's stuff that we do, or contemplate doing, to ourselves.
However, how I've handled things can sometimes be the best example of how not to do it. Whether one is a believer, a fence-sitter, a questioner or a nay-sayer of His claims as the Son of God, a study of Christ's life can enhance not only our own but our interaction with, and therefore the lives of, others.
Christ doesn't guide us anywhere or through anything that He has not already been. He has experienced our trials, our emotions, our successes and yes, even our disappointments. He knows not only what it's like, but He knows the best way through to the other side. And He navigated life with such grace, wisdom and humility that I am simply compelled to His guidance.
The most helpful guidebooks for me are the gospels of Christ's life found in the first four chapters of the New Testament in The Bible. There are more books written from man's interpretation of His life than I could, or would want to, take the time to list here, but I like hearing directly from the Master. Sometimes that requires interpretation so I turn to Jesus, Life Coach by Laurie Beth Jones. If I ever doubted where He stands on the issues, she makes it loud and clear.
Following Christ's guidance is not for the faint-hearted, but my adventure is going to be grand. For sure, there will be hills to climb and valleys I will slide into, but I will be provided fresh water and restful pastures on my journey. And joy ~ both despite of, and because of, my circumstances along the way.
I've brought my hiking boots and my ballet slippers. I'm ready. Who knows? I might even get the privilege of guiding someone else along the way.
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