Angels Among Us

Every minute of every day, someone reaches out a hand to another.  An angel, if you will, touches your hand and lifts you from the throes of despair, pain, fear or insecurity.  It doesn’t take much on the part of the giver and the interaction may last only a few seconds, yet the results can be life altering.

Each one of us has been touched by the selfless behavior of another.  You have suffered, we all have.  There are those days when you may feel lost and seem to have misplaced your positive outlook and balance.  There can be an underlying cause or it can simply seem to be an “off” day.  What do you do and where do you turn?  Maybe you seek solace within and withdraw into the world you believe you can control.  Perhaps you reach for a good book or a movie and allow yourself to be entertained in hopes the feelings will pass in time.  Possibly you turn to prayer seeking a shift in your outlook on life.

Whatever you do, your situation is very real.  In this moment, right here and now, you are experiencing a life challenge.  You come to the realization that you don’t know what to do or where to turn. 

What happens next is usually based on our habits and patterns.  There is no wrong next step - - it is simply the choices we make of what to do.  Pulling the blanket up over your head may serve for now, but sooner or later you have to get out of bed.  Depending on what is impacting you and your outlook on life, you may begin to experience fear.  This can feel like a tiny ripple up and down your spine.  Or it can feel so intense you may realize the idea of tomorrow or the next day is too much to consider as fear clutches your heart. What you need in this instant is hope, connection and compassion. 

What often shows up in our lives, in times of despair, are the amazing people on this planet who have chosen in a single moment to wear the guise of an angel and step in and help. Whether you reach out, or someone magically reaches out to you, is not important.  What is important is that there is love, understanding, support and encouragement for every one of us.

It is in that critical moment the telephone rings, or a greeting card arrives in the mail, or an email, text message - - some one attempting to connect and remind us we are not alone. And this single event may be all we need to regain our strength and perspective on life.

These amazing angels I am referring to are people, just like you and me. They go to work, cook meals, wash dishes (or put them in the dishwasher), pay bills, have relationships and simply live life.  And in an instant of everyday activity they stop and pick up the phone.  Each one of us has done this for another - - just responding to a tiny intuitive nudge and we become an angel in the life of someone in need.

The connection you make with another human being may seem insignificant for you - - but the ripple effect is like a tidal wave in the life and heart of the one you are serving. Take a moment this week and consider the angels who have arrived mysteriously in your life  and be grateful  Then take a few more minutes to reflect on all the times you have been an angel with perfect timing who simply showed up when someone needed you most. 

Each one of us is important, valuable and treasured.  Every act of kindness is building a better world.  No act of love, compassion or service is trivial.  We must live each day holding nothing back. Freely give a smile, a hug, a phone call, a dollar - - as each of us is inspired. 

This week you will have countless opportunities to recognize the amazing angels in your life.  As you give thanks for each of them, include all the acts of selfless love you have demonstrated to others.  And be grateful - we are all here for each other.