On the Trail

What’s the difference between a map and a guide?  And by map, I’m thinking a trail map, a detailed one, the kind from the National Geological Survey.  The guide is the person who’ll get you to where you’re going on the trail.  In both instances, you’re going from point A to point B and hopefully enjoying it all!

Pros & Cons:  MAP

You can take it with you all the time.  It fits in your pocket.

It could have errors.  Or not be up-to-date.

It shows you where other trails are, and streams, and mountains…

It doesn’t show you the scenery or tell you there’s an awesome tree growing out of a boulder coming up.

You can use it at your leisure and it doesn’t talk back to you.

You have to educate yourself on what all the symbols and lines mean. 

You can still get lost, even with a map.

The routes to the destination are limited and you can only use one.

Pros & Cons:  GUIDE

They know what they’re doing.

You might get into awkward conversations about politics, religion, or the Phillies.

They cost a lot more than a map.

They know where all the cool stuff is… and might take you “off the beaten path” to see the cool stuff.

The guide won’t necessarily fit your idea of a guide, that is, a middle-aged guy with a beard wearing lots of flannel.  Could be a young woman!

They come with a wealth of other knowledge about the woods.  How to find wild berries, the names of all the trees, how to skin a deer.

They might take you on a path where you thought you didn’t want to go, but you have to follow them anyway. 

The guide has guided lots of other people on lots of other trails you’ll know nothing about.  But might tell you about.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).  He’s not a map.  He’s a Person, a guide. He’s not even our idea of him as a person or guide.  In this Sunday’s Gospel from John 14, the disciples ask him “the way to where he’s going.”  He doesn’t give them a map or directions.  He gives them (and us) HIMSELF.  “I am the way, the truth, and the life…”

Peace,

Pr. Christian

P.S.  If you’re not a hiker…  Think:  the difference between a map of Amsterdam or a tour guide in Amsterdam.  Or if you’re a golfer, a book about a course, your range finder, etc…  or a fore caddie.