I have always had a problem with the issue of spirit-guides and guardian angels. Don’t get me wrong, I can neither prove nor disprove their existence, and have no desire to do so. Whether or not our lives are mapped out for us, like pre-programmed robots or we are totally free-willed and able to do anything we choose: my problem is - where do guides and angels fit in the picture?
If we presume the former rationale, then the rôle of guides and angels are like police, and under these circumstances, seems obsolete. After all if we are all pre-programmed then the guides and angels don’t have anything to do – everything has already been decided and organised – nothing can go wrong.
If we assume the latter rationale, then what power do these guides and angels have over us? Isn’t their reported action more like interference to our free-will? And if they can influence us, by changing a circumstance to help or hinder us, wouldn’t that directly and indirectly affect the lives of others. Assume that I ask them to help me win my difficult court case, and I win against all probability. Presuming it was their help that caused this victory; doesn’t that hurt my opponent who should have won?
Do the guides actually dictate where and what we do, or is their role more subtle?
I have reason to believe that there are real subtleties to the guidance given. It is personal and direct; it also does not negatively affect others. Let me relate an incident that occurred very recently.
I was at my regular workplace when I had the opportunity to perform a special and particularly interesting duty, lasting two or more weeks; something I greatly look forward to. The first day was almost over when, with less than an hour to go, I gave in to a moment of weakness and did something which was inappropriate for that time and situation.
Within the hour the equipment I was using had broken down, and I was forced to leave early. The next day I was informed that the special job had been cancelled entirely; not just postponed, curtailed! Returning to my usual position, I spent that day pondering why this had happened as the job was very important and specialized.
I returned on the third day, again to my usual position, and in the first hour comprehended and admitted to myself my personal responsibility; and accepted that the punishment was appropriate. No more than ten minutes after this admission and acceptance, I was approached and asked to continue the now fully restored special role! The action had punished me, and had affected no one else.
If this is the part and effect of guides and angels, then I can now begin to comprehend how they fit in, and more to the point, how they can guide us all – with subtlety.