Johann Paul Friedrich Richter, better known as Jean Paul, a German writer, once remarked: “The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us.” Daniel 10:5-10 states: “I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.”
A Guardian Angel is defined as a spirit that is thought to watch over and protect a particular person or place. There is much speculation and controversy relating to their presence. It is believed by many that they are individually assigned by God. However, others would disagree vehemently, stating that scripture only refers to the true angels of God, and not specifically guardian angels. For some, the possible existence of these beings does provide reassurance and solace. Donald Schneider, a Lutheran priest, wrote that the concept of a guardian angel is found in Psalm 91, which includes a verse stating: "For He, (God) 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."
Angels are often represented in Christian Bibles as spiritual beings, intermediate between God and mankind. According to a conducted Ipsos MORI survey, 46% of Britain's adults believe in Guardian Angels and three-quarters of these reputedly agree that they have been helped in their everyday life. Psalm 8:4-5 states: "What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honour."
It was an extremely cold night and was raining heavily as Stephen walked towards the bus shelter. He looked at his digital watch, the time read 22:43 hours. Droplets of rain were running off the hair on his head and onto his forehead before trickling down his face and neck. One globule came to a stop at the tip of his nose. It lingered there, refusing to move. His attention was diverted, was he still in time to catch the last bus home or had it already gone? He had no idea as he had never been so late. Would he have to walk seven miles before he reached the safe haven of his house in the pouring rain or would he be able to find a taxi at this time of night? Probably not, it would be a busy time for them. Why had he walked aimlessly around the park for so long? He had lost all concept of time. All he had consumed during the evening was one cup of coffee in a snack bar. He felt tired and hungry. He couldn’t face the prospect of another long walk in his condition. He felt confused and upset. How could his boss sack him so close to Christmas? Didn’t he have any feelings? It was so sudden. What an unexpected shock that was! What would he tell his wife? How could he tell his children that there would be no bumper Christmas this year as he just wouldn’t have the money available to spend?
Fifteen years he had worked for the company, he was aware that they had been going through hard times recently, but he never envisaged that it would lead to his sudden departure. He had been so loyal and supportive. He had only made a few comments and suggestions to his boss in an attempt to help him through a difficult time, but he had taken them the wrong way and thought that he was criticizing him. He had always been a proud man who had worked hard to make a success of his business and couldn't accept what he considered to be an unrealistic condemnation. Stephen knew deep inside that his boss was nearly in tears when he had given him the news. He could see it in his eyes. His boss had shaken his hand so warmly as he left and thanked him for all his past hard work. He was so apologetic that it had come to this. After all, they had been friends for a long time. Was he already having regrets about his hasty decision?
When he reached the bus stop he said to himself: "At least I will have some respite from the rain for a while." As he sat there pondering, a lady dressed in a white raincoat, white wellington boots and a white rain hat approached the shelter and joined him. She sat down beside him on the seat and after a short pause of silence, touched his knee and said: "You look troubled my dear. Do you want to talk about it?" Stephen gave a big sigh: "I feel so miserable in myself. It is three weeks to Christmas and I have just been dismissed from a job that I adored. I didn't mean to offend him, I think the world of my boss and we have always been good friends until now. I do not know what got into him, he usually listens to my suggestions and reasoning, but tonight was different, he didn't want to know. I wish I had kept my mouth shut. Now, what am I to do? I won’t walk into another job easily at my time of life." The lady thought for a while and then remarked: "I think that you are worrying totally unnecessarily, my dear, it is just a tiff between two friends. Life is full of ups and downs and at the moment you are both experiencing the downside. If the truth be known, you need each other, you are usually compatible and work well together as a team, but you are both getting stressed as a result of the difficult
times.
Why don't you walk back to the office and if he is still there, go in and find him and apologise for upsetting him? Remind him that it is the season of goodwill toward others. If you both allow this conflict to continue, you will both regret it in a few days. Things are often said in the heat of the moment and usually, they are not meant. Try to put your point of view in a more succinct way that won't upset him. Don't be demanding. Gently make him see reason and mark my words all will be forgiven between you." Stephen thought for a while. "I will." He replied. "Can I ask you a question please?" "Certainly" She replied. "Why are you, a total stranger, so interested in my problems on such a nasty night?" "That's easy" She answered: "Do you believe in a personal Guardian Angel? If you do, then I am yours. If not, then I am just an individual who is concerned about you. I have been sent to advise you on a course of action that you should take. You are both headstrong individuals behaving like little boys and really deserve to have your heads banged together to knock some sense into you both. Trust me, everything will be fine." With that, she stood up, patted him on the shoulder and walked away, never to be seen again. A compassionate woman indeed. A true Guardian Angel? Who knows? Hebrews 13:2 reminds us: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Amen.
