Angels -There are angels all around us – just be aware

Have you ever had an encounter with an angel?  I know I have.  Here’s my story.  What started out as a beautiful day cruising across the Chesapeake Bay, quickly turned into a dark and stormy end to an enjoyable weekend on our small cruising boat.  The blinding and pelting rain, plus increased winds, made for a stressful and bumpy ride back to the marina.  Navigation turned more difficult for my husband, just trying to identify landmarks to get us quickly into port.  The trip took us double the normal amount of time, but we finally arrived safely back at the marina.  However, because the winds were still pretty intimidating, my husband and I just could not get the boat pointed in the right direction to load properly on our trailer.  We were exhausted and frustrated.  The marina parking lot was empty and there was no one there to help.  Then, out of the blue, a man showed up on the dock.  “Can I be of help?” he asked.  Without hesitating he proceeded to take the ropes of the boat in his hands.  At once the winds seemed to obey him and our boat immediately turned in the right direction.   My husband and I were now able to get the boat out of the water in seconds.  Success!  We then turned around to express our gratefulness to our new friend.  He was gone!  The marina was still deserted and still not another car in the parking lot.   An angel he was – no doubt in either of our minds. 

Who doesn’t smile when they hear a story about angels?  For most of us, angels conjure up images of beautiful winged celestial beings.  My thoughts immediately turn to words like peace and love and I imagine hymns being sung full of glorious praise to God in the high heavens.  I was once so fascinated by them that I started a collection of special angels that I would find at various places that “spoke” to me.  I even turned the guest bathroom in our home into an “angel” bathroom, with everything from an angel shower curtain to beautiful cherub border wallpaper!  I know, probably a little over done; and for our guests maybe just a little intimidating when taking a shower.  Angels are a sign of hope, which in today’s world we desperately need.  But the encounter with my “boat” angel was just the beginning of realizing that angels are not always visions of beings that we cannot see, feel, or touch.  They are with us every day, and many times we are the angels for someone else, especially in time of need.   I invite you to be aware of the people in your lives.  When was the last time you encountered an angel?  When was the last time you were able to be an angel for someone else?  It can be through a phone call, a chance meeting in the grocery store.  It can be just as simple as a smile or show of concern or a plate of freshly baked cookies for a neighbor.  Also, if you can recount a specific angel experience, write it down or share it with someone else.  That may be just the source of hope they need.  Angels really do exist!

“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”  Psalm 91:11-12