When You're the Angel

One wall of my study holds my collection of mysteries, history, theology and political rantings (from both sides of the aisle). Among these beauties are works I have purchased at Half Price Books. I shop there because I love a great deal AND I get to rescue gently used treasures from the landfill.

Last month, as I was enjoying one of my “previously read” books (written and published in 1998, I might add), I turned the page to find an 8 ½ x 11” sheet of lined notebook paper folded and pressed in half. Opening it, I realized it was written in the hand of a teenage girl. A prayer so succinctly penned I needn’t guess what was happening in her life for I had once journaled such a prayer myself. Goosebumps covered me from head to toe. As I prayed with her and for her, I thanked God for this gentle spirit from somewhere, sometime along a 24-year-span who awakened me to the fact that my prayer had been divinely answered. Did the young woman suspect she might be used as a plant to kindly remind a 62-year-old stranger in 2022 that her same prayer, some 47 years ago, had been answered? Probably not. As I basked in the joy of our “encounter’, this scripture flooded my memory:

Continue to love each other with true brotherly love. Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:1-2 TLB

Most of us look to be the host or hostess—serving others with a heaping plate of kindness. But sometimes we are chosen to be the stranger.

As you watch today for those you might serve, also be on the lookout for the one who was created to delight you. For today, my friend, you might be the angel they’ve been destined to bless.

How cool is that?