Essay 3: Good guy(d)s vS. the bad guy(d)s Introduction

​The Galapagos guides who inspired me to write this book were very different from Mr. Whitewater Real Estate Man. 

The only surprises on our  trip were good surprises. 

I remember the opening dinner at the hotel when we first met all our fellow travelers, and some of our expedition team.  Andres, our Kapitan, made introductions, educated us on the itinerary, and explained his role.  He said, with joy in his countenance, “Stick with me. You will see that I am going to be your new best friend for the next 12 days!”

Kay and the Quito Crafters
Our first outing was a walking tour of the beautiful capital city of Ecuador, Quito. We went to the statue of Mary, high on a volcanic hill standing guard over the city for hundreds of years.  We walked to the town square where a flock of pigeons enjoyed the little girl running toward them just to see them fly.  We walked through the street market where farmers offered their luscious fruits and vegetables.  Artisans sold their colorful handmade carvings, paintings, pottery, clothing and toys.

Leaving a Catholic Cathedral we had toured, I was quickly surrounded by some local women selling their beautiful handmade wares.  And I guess I had an “EASY MARK” sign posted on my back.  The friendly, enthusiastic Ecuadorian women –maybe 6 of them-- began displaying their handiwork as closely to my face as possible, and in their broken English they told me their prices: 

“Angora, only twenty dollah! Es soft, si????” 
“Dos -- ten dollah.”
“You like this one? I have other color. Beautiful color.”

Meanwhile, our travel group waited aboard the tour bus. 

Now, I had never doubted that Andres and our other guides were indeed our new best friends.  But bff’s in action adds a whole new level of belief.  Experiential belief. 

Kind of like Batman and Robin showing up on the scene, they entered the circle of women and escorted me to freedom. I didn’t have to be rude to the lovely ladies trying to make a living.  Andres and Paul know the territory and the traps that I didn’t know about.  Their expert knowledge enabled them to gently take care of this humorous ‘hostage situation’.  
 
What a Difference a Guide Makes
Andres, Paul, and Jonathon all demonstrated such patience, kindness, and, when necessary, some polite but firm reprimands or reminders, plus loads of enthusiasm for their culture and homeland.  They honored us by sharing it all with us.  They protected us from tourist traps. They kept us fed, safe, rested, and informed.  They inspired us to be participants in (and not just observers of) the wonderful experiences available to us. 

I came home a different person, full of wonder, and longing for more of the same.   And for the first time in many years, inspired to do something with the gift I had received. 

Oh, that all of our ‘guides’ in life could be safe guides.

Fraudulent voices appeal to our materialism, or our egos, our dreams.  They can sound so right.  Which is the reason Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.”  SO, if I am so familiar with my good shepherd’s voice, the alarms in my Spirit should blast away if the voice is NOT his.

Jesus promised that those who truly know His voice and stick with Him, will live a full, satisfying, rich, life.  Jesus fulfills every promise He makes.  Jesus represents His Father with truth and integrity.  Like His Father, he knows us better than we know ourselves.  HE really is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE—the Trustworthy Guide.

“God is reaching out, asking, ‘Do you trust me?’ We take His hand with a tentative, ‘Yes’,
and learn trust from there.” (from Do You Trust Me? Kindle,p 36)

What does a good guy(d) look like?
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In an online article, Gus Moore,Co-founder and CEO of The Miami Tour Company, commented, “The most successful tour guides turn standard sightseeing into an unforgettable experience by combining charisma with calm, organized leadership.”
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He listed attributes of exceptional tour directors- some of which are:

• Flexibility
• A “people person”
• Anticipates needs
• Zest for life
• Expertise that enhances experiences
• Good story -teller
• Self-aware and unoffendable
• Leader (Kapitan!)
• Fully entrenched and passionate about the culture and opportunities of the region

The same qualities were active in Jesus.  In the same way a successful tour guide turns the standard tour into an 'unforgettable' experience,  making Jesus our guide in life takes a standard life and makes it unforgettable.  Or in the words of Paul, God does "more than we could ask or think."  (Ephesians 3:20)

With the help of the Holy Spirit, these same qualities can be formed in you and I.  What might it look like in action for you and I?   How might God use us in guiding others into their own Great Adventure?

Let’s briefly explore each one.  
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Next up? Flexibility.

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A FLEXIBLE GUIDE

GOOD GUIDES LOVE PEOPLE

Good Guides Notice Needs

memory-making guides