Day Five: Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s Old Town-the smallest district in the city-is one of its most historic. Centered around the imperial castle, it held the title of largest intact medieval city in Germany until World War II and is renowned for its extensive collection of half-timbered houses. I just loved this.

The Old Town has been rebuilt several times throughout its history. During World War II, the district was mostly destroyed by Allied bombs. Reconstruction began in the 1950’s to restore the structures to their former state, alongside modern buildings.

I was distracted during the tour so I cannot remember much of what the guide shared. There was a woman who was an EGR: Extra Grace Required. Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church and author of the bestseller Purpose Driven Life, coined this term. He said every small group (Bible Study) has an EGR. Such a kind way to put it.  But this woman was not kind to the guide. 

She did not stay in the group as told, going off to take all these pictures. When the group moved on, she caught up and yelled at the guide for leaving her behind. The guide kindly responded that they were moving on (we had these audio boxes), and the EGR yelled, “I couldn’t hear you.”  Well, she went out of the audio range. The guide started to tear up, and another couple said sternly that it was her responsibility to keep the group together.

I disagree.  We are adults, not children. We were instructed to stay in the group. We can take responsibility for our choices and accept the consequences. I felt this couple was enabling the EGR’s poor behavior. Feeling angry about this, when we were done with the tour, I made the effort to thank the guide and then tell the cruise director what happened, what I thought, and how it distracted me from enjoying the tour. She agreed with me and would talk with this woman who had yelled at a different tour guide the day before.

That afternoon, I went back out to visit the Cathedral on my own. The Frankfurt Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic structures and a cherished symbol of resilience. It suffered damage during the war and was rebuilt to its beautiful structure today.

I sat and prayed for a while in the church. Seeing this art sculpture reminded me of Christ’s abounding mercy and compassion. I remember Rick Warren telling us to offer grace, be kind, be patient, and have good boundaries with the EGRs in our lives. I said a breath prayer, “Help me, Lord, with this woman!” 

The next day, the EGR was in my group again. Thankfully, she behaved. Stayed with the group and did not yell at the tour guide. When she spoke to me, I responded kindly while having good boundaries.

Perhaps this was an opportunity for me to offer grace to one who needs it.