A Great Guide - A Great Ride!

Twenty-nine of us had a great time, on Saturday, as we enjoyed white water rafting on the Ocoee River. You can tell from the expressions in the picture above that we are enjoying the trip! One of the reasons the trip was so enjoyable is because we had a GREAT Guide! With a great guide you can have a great ride. This is true on the river and it is true in life as well.

So what makes for a great guide?

1. He is PASSIONATE about what he does.

Our guide had been leading groups for 3 or 4 years. It was obvious he enjoyed the time on the river and interacting with his "crew." Another guide with our group had been at it for 22 years! (That is some long term passion) Our guide drives each weekend from Murfreesboro, TN to the Ocoee because he is passionate about what he does. A guide who is passionate about what He does is a great guide!

2. He gives CLEAR DIRECTIONS.

Giving clear directions is important. Matt began before we ever put our raft in the river. He walked us through the basics of holding the paddle, what commands he would be giving and what to do should we find ourselves overboard. His directions were clear and concise. His directions were interesting on the land and IMPORTANT on the water. If we wanted to enjoy a good trip down the river it would be vital for us to hear and respond to our guides directions.

3. He is always looking AHEAD.

In the picture above you will notice that we are caught up in the moment. We are enjoying where we are on the river at that minute. But look at Matt. Where is his gaze? He is looking down river. He is looking ahead to what is coming up. We are enjoying the moment because our guide is looking ahead and preparing for what is to come. A great guide is always looking ahead.

4. He knows the DANGERS to avoid.

Matt knew where the rocks were. He knew the shallow spots and the rough spots. He knew the dangers ahead because he had already encountered them. He mentioned that over the years he had been stuck on just about every rock in the river that you can get stuck on. That experience enabled him to know first hand what dangers to avoid. He had gone down the river many times prior to leading us. His experience with the dangers allowed us to navigate them successfully.

5. He gives POSITIVE feedback.

Several times we would thank Matt for how he navigated us through the white water rapids around the rocks and over the most thrilling parts of the river. Each time he would compliment us on our paddling skills and how well we followed his directions. He was generous in his positive feedback and it just made us want to follow his leadership all the more.

So of you want to have a great ride on a river or in life you need to have a great guide! As a believer, we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit, of Scripture and of Spiritual mentors God places in our lives. Look over the five points above and think how the Holy Spirit, Scriptures or a Spiritual Mentor does the same as they guide you through the challenges of life.

Thank God for the great guides He has given you in your life. All guides were also at one time just riders in a raft. Maybe it is time for you to move from being a rider to being a guide for someone in your life. You can do it and these five practical points will help you as you guide someone along life's journey.

Thanking God for the Guide and the Ride,
Pastor Mike