Be The Angel

Have you ever had an encounter with an angel? When I was young, one of my favorite books was a book about people and their meetings with angels, or who must have been angels. It was a miraculous book, story after story of 'someone' showing up at just the right moment, or disappearing as soon as anyone else came to the scene.

Years ago, I thought I might have met an angel. I was taking a bus trip home from B.C. to Edmonton, and there was an avalanche in the pass. The bus was delayed and by the time we made it to Calgary I had missed the connecting one. So I was stuck in the Calgary bus station, alone, for the night. It was dark, and closed, and I was literally the only passenger there. There were two night watchmen, who scared me as much if I'd been alone, as I tried to sleep on those chairs all connected together, with arms between each one.

In the morning, the restaurant staff showed up, and as of yet no one else was there. I sat alone on a chair, with my luggage. Just then an old man with a cart walked over and stopped beside me. He looked like a streetperson. I don't know where he came from, but he sat with me and chattered for about a half an hour. Before he left, he gave me a bunch of food and drink from out of his cart. And then he was gone.

Yeah, so what? Right?? I don't know, exactly why I thought he was an angel. Maybe because he came when I was alone, made me feel safe, expected nothing from me, and fed me when I was hungry. That's it. Not too scientific, but even now, almot 8 years later, when I think about it, I feel blessed and thankful.

So, here's my point. What if the guy was just a guy?

That means that each of us has the potential to be an angel for someone. We can be the person who can be there for someone when they are alone and scared. The person who makes them feel safe, who expects nothing from them. The person who feeds them when they are hungry. And most of all, the person that will give them a warm feeling in their hearts for years to come.

I do believe that God put angels here on earth, to help us, to bless us, and to test us. The Bible says that we will 'entertain them unaware'. But I think that God designed each of us with a set of invisible wings. We can make a difference in a world that is often scary and awful and seems hopeless.

We can be the hope. God Bless, all,

Go out there and be an angel!!

P.S. I'll end with the words to the song playing "Angels Among Us" by Alabama. Read them. It's so amazing, it makes my heart float right up to my throat!!

P.P.S. If any of you have met an angel, I'd LOVE to hear about it!!

I was walking home from school on a cold winter's day
Took a shortcut through the woods and I lost my way
It was getting late and I was scared and alone
Then a kind old man took my hand and led me home
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there
But I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

When life dealt troubled times and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me
A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend just to say I understand
Ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

They wear so many faces
Show up in the strangest places
Grace us with their mercy
In our time of need

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love