The Gracious Guide

There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening we shall hear the right word. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

While searching for exciting tours for your travels, you probably have become keenly aware that whoever writes the descriptions, in many cases, are very creative writers. Often the depiction and reality in no way match up. One such adventure described a zoo tour, lunch by the river, and a riverboat wildlife excursion viewing the wildlife in their natural habitat. In reality, the zoo was one step up from a petting zoo. Lunch consisted of one chicken leg, a dab of rice and beans, and an orange Fanta soda. We saw no wildlife on the riverboat tour except for one carefully placed monkey in all likelihood chained to the top of a tree. Except for the manatee that nearly jumped in our boat with us, the tour was mediocre, at best.

We booked a spectacular 10-day Alaskan cruise going to seven different ports that did not disappoint. We went on adventures in every port, but the most unforgettable was the ATV mountain climbing and ziplining tour in Icy Strait Point, Alaska. It was by far the most incredible tour we ever booked on the many cruises we have taken. What was so unique about it? The breathtaking views stirred a sense of adventure in all of us. In addition, we could see the magic unfold, and the place and experience come to life through the eyes of our tour guide, Thomas. Thomas, a native of the Tlingit tribe, told stories that revealed meanings and relationships in natural, cultural, and historical settings and provided the spark to awaken our curiosity about the Hoonah people’s history.

As we traversed the mountain in our ATV’s, we occasionally stopped for him to point out the diverse flora and their various uses to the native people. One particular plant, a large understory shrub, known as Devil’s Club, piqued my interest because of its medicinal benefits for ailments such as adult-onset diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. I purchased several jars of Devil’s Club salve. I have been amazed at the success in treating many conditions.

Thomas explained the fascinating cycle of growth from glacier to the wide variety of life we saw at that time. He also gave us a glimpse into the respect and reverence to which his people view the land and all the animals. Their tradition includes never hunting for mere sport but instead using every part of the animal for survival.

One animal the area is known for is the Alaska Coastal Brown Bear. Thomas related several stories of locals encountering bears and some not faring too well in the ordeal. He told us enough to educate us and scare us at the same time. He, himself, had had a few encounters with bears on the tours down through the years. The guides carried bear spray, a non-lethal deterrent used to stop aggressive behavior in bears. He explained how we, as a group, could huddle together with arms lifted to appear massive and more aggressive to deter the bear from attacking. Not wanting to take any chances, I chose to stay close to Thomas who had had the experience and knew what he was doing.

When we arrived near the top of the mountain in our ATV’s, we got out and walked up the rest of the way to where we would be ziplining from the world’s largest ZipRider, with six 5,330′ ziplines dropping 1330′. After launching, you quickly accelerate to speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour as you soar 300 feet above the rainforest below. The only way down was to bite the bullet and zipline or take the walk of shame down. What a thrilling ride that was!

If we had not had our guide’s expertise giving us a detailed description of the things we encountered on our way, our tour would have been lifeless and dull. The beauty would have still been there, but we would not have known what to appreciate about it. Our guide not only pointed us in the right direction for maximum safety but taught us what to do to protect ourselves from harm. He brought a richness and excitement to the tour we would not have had otherwise.

In the same manner, the Holy Spirit is our guide who gives us the wisdom to walk a Godly and pleasing life. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us and reminds us of what we have learned. He brings us knowledge and understanding without which we would not be able to traverse our journey safely. It is the Holy Spirit who brings us counsel when we do not know what to do. He gives us the fortitude to withstand the journey and persevere and empowers us from one day to the next. He helps us when we are weak and intercedes for us. Each time we step in a new direction, He assures us that we are heading in the right direction. We can choose to go through life without Him. Still, it is impossible to live an overcoming and transformed Christian life without the Holy Spirit guiding us. The light of the Holy Spirit illuminates everything. He gives us clarity of mind and thought and causes our existence to come alive in a way we could not otherwise have.

My husband gave the tour and Thomas a five-star rating on Trip Advisor. I give the Holy Spirit a rating so high I cannot humanly calculate it. If you are going through life without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you are living without life support. Ask the Holy Spirit to take control and breathe life into you. He will work in you until death, conforming you into the image of Christ.

Matthew 28: 19-20 – If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (NIV)