The scientists needed help. Andreas Pastoors and Tilman Lenssen-Erz are archaeologists: Pastoors at the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann, Germany, and Lenssen-Erz at the Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology at the University of Cologne. Both are experts in the study of prehistoric artwork; still, they knew they were out of their depth at some archeological sites in the caves of southern France.   Although the two scientists are very knowledgeable about the cave-paintings there, they had trouble gathering any useful information from prehistoric footprints found in several of the caves.

As recently reported by the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel, the scientists turned to an unusual source for help. Enter Tsamkxao Cigae and two other members of the San people (often called Bushmen) of southern Africa. At home, in their native Namibia, Cigae and his colleagues guide tourists, tracking animals in the wild.

Pastoors and Lenssen-Erz brought them to Europe to examine the footprints in the caves. They quickly cleared up several mysteries. In the cave of Tuc d'Audoubert, for example, there were multiple footprints superimposed over one another. The scientists thought this might be evidence of some sort of group ritual dance. Cigae and his colleagues had a simpler explanation: the footprints were from only 2 individuals, one adult (about 38 years old) and one youth (about 14) who were probably carrying clay out of the cave. All in all, the trackers were able to identify the footprints of 28 different individuals, most between the ages of 10 and 20.

"We did not have the capability to read" those tracks, Pastoors said. You see, even well-trained and experienced scientists need help. None of us knows it all. There is something we can learn from every person we meet, and the greater their difference from us, the more there is to learn. The "primitive" tribesmen of Africa had skills far beyond the capabilities of the "experts."

As you meet people today, pay attention! Each one has something to teach you; each one possesses some expertise you do not have.

  
         We are all seekers. Some look to the riches of the world, some to hidden messages in clay, and still others seek to unfold their true essence in life. Even though we may be well trained and experienced, we still may need guides.

          Let us consider the search for our own true essence. Although the retail booksellers' shelves are filled with 'self-help' books, the journey is made simpler with the accompaniment of a well-trained and experienced Spiritual Director: one who can interpret old footprints in our souls, who may give evidence of the present ritual dance of the Divine in the present, and who helps to unfold the 'hidden things' desired by God for the future.

          Let us consider our journey with others. It has been asked, "Where are you going? With whom are you going?" Those existential questions determine, in many cases, where we arrive at life's end and the quality of life along the way. A Spiritual Director helps guide one on the path, as most of us have to learn to move safely in our relational world. Even though we think we might know it all, many times we look back and see that our relationships were built on expectations and illusions. Our Spiritual Director may be able to give impressions from a more objective perspective.