Finding the Familar

Standing in front of the Emperor's Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City in Beijing, I found myself looking for the familiar. Windows, doors, chairs, anything that would allow my compass to give me a sense of security. Fortunately we had a travel guide by the name of Emma who had studied for two years to pass tests to receive her "official" guide status. She certainly knew how to navigate her way around this huge complex.

Because she knew where she was going and what she would find before we got there, we relaxed more and more as she moved us from one building to the next pointing out features and history that were important to life and times of China. The knowledge she shared permitted us to realize our similarities and differences with the Chinese culture. Had we tried to do a "self-tour" we would have missed a lot.

Personal guides are vital to our life's journey, too. To know that One goes before me who knows where to go, and what we will find when we get there allows me great security. There may be much I don't understand, but it doesn't matter . . . my guide knows the way.