Angels

I believe in Angels.

When I think of Angels, I typically envision Guardian Angels. I do believe that every small child has one. I remember when I was a little kid at night, when I was scared, sometimes I would talk to mine; it helped relax me, knowing that one of God's Angels was watching over me. And now that I have my own children, it's comforting to think of these beautiful, strong, ethereal creatures hovering over them all the time, keeping watch.

I think that there are many different kinds of Angels though. I think there are ones that can intercede in our lives. Not necessarily Touched By An Angel style, but some may be sent just to give a smile or offer a nice gesture and turn a really awful day into something pleasant. Maybe one will appear at a moment when you are in need, and their presence is completely inexplicable, but so appreciated. One may even be sent to save your life.

One incident I remember is the Cokeville Elementary School hostage situation, where David Young and his wife took nearly 200 children hostage, threatening to detonate a bomb. When the bomb exploded unexpectedly, Young's wife was the only casualty and Young ended up shooting himself in the end. Afterward, a number of the children claimed they had seen Angels in the classroom with them, and that one in particular had told them all to go near the window, away from Young's wife, which contributed to none of them being killed in the blast. While I don't think that Angelic intercession is a common occurrence, I have no doubt that it does happen.

Yesterday afternoon I had to drop a large package off at the post office. Ryan was with me, and I had been in such a hurry when we left that I didn't bother to pack the stroller. When we got to the parking lot I was looking for a close spot so that we wouldn't have far to walk. I found one, but it was next to a very large black truck, that had been lifted and was sitting on enormous tires. The owner had parked far to the right side of his spot, so that when I pulled into my parking spot, I felt pretty squished. I couldn't help but be irritated by this over-sized truck and whoever owned it.

My focus quickly changed though, as I tried to figure out how I was going to get into the store while holding Ryan and this big box. We didn't even get five feet before Ryan lost a shoe and the box had slipped out of my hands. If I let go of Ryan for one second, he would be off and running through a crowded parking lot. It was a disaster! Just at that moment, the door to the store opened, and a couple came out. An older white gentleman, and a young black woman. The man held the door open for me, as the woman helped gather Ryan's shoes up, then she took the box from me and carried it into the store, so that I was able to safely hold onto Ryan. I was so grateful for their help, and it was at exactly the moment I needed it.

As I came out of the store a couple minutes later, the couple was gone, along with the huge black truck. I felt a ping of guilt when I realized the driver I had been annoyed at for his bad parking job, turned out to be the patient couple who so kindly helped me in a situation that was a bit over my head.

I'm not saying they were Angels, I don't think Angels drive huge black trucks on lifted tires...then again, what do I know? Maybe some Angels do, maybe they are over-compensating for "Small Wing Syndrome" or something.

The point is, that we never really know. This couple, whether earthly or celestial, came into my life for only a moment and greatly helped me, and I truly appreciate that. So wherever they are, I want to say thank you. And to everyone else, keep your eyes open - you never know when an Angel may make a momentary appearance.