Holiness in our Midst: Session 78

SESSION LXXVIII: ON EVERYDAY ANGELS

Name some persons who have been “angels on earth” to you recently, offering help, spreading hope, or bringing sweet surprises to your daily life. Share details about the persons and/or details of gifts given.

My answer: It is noon on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. I am thinking: There is such a thing as a free lunch! I am savoring my favorite potato soup in the world and catching up on daily newspapers from the past week. I am remembering all the community angels I encountered the day before. The Bible verse from Hebrews 13:2 (KJV) flashes through my mind: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Yesterday, when my usual morning restaurant was closed for repairs, I decided to go to Snack Time on main street in Nevada (IA). I hadn’t been there in a year. One of the waiters welcomed me and asked me if I wanted my “usual.”  I said yes and felt right at home. In short order, my vegetarian skillet (scrambled eggs on the side), white toast (toasted light), and coffee with cream appeared.

As I was leaving, I was greeted by Eddy, the owner who faithfully mans the kitchen and cash register day in and day out. “When will you serve your famous potato soup again? I asked. “It’s the best!”

“Oh, my, I just had it on the menu yesterday,” he said. He added, “Wait a minute!” He went downstairs to the big cooler and brought up two quarts for me. To take home. On the house.

On my way home, I stopped by a convenience store, where the clerks had held back newspapers each day for the past week when I was snowed in. “Anytime,” they said.

If there has been a benefit to Iowa’s record-breaking weather this past month, it has been time to pause to appreciate the everyday angels along my path. I vow—as I wonder how Eddy gets the perfect blend of potatoes, onions, butter, and milk—to do better at recognizing and thanking them daily.

Story Circle Prompt: Who were your “everyday angels” this week?

FOR PERSONAL/JOURNAL REFLECTION:

1.  Read the above reflection. Write in your journal about your recent experiences of “everyday angels.” How have you been an “angel” lately?

FOR GROUP STUDY:

1.   Read aloud Session LXXVIII.
2.   Ask each person to answer the Story Circle Prompt.

[View Past Sessions Here]

Note: Holiness in Our Midst: Sharing Our Stories to Encourage and Heal is a monthly on-line feature created by Janis Pyle to facilitate sharing of our personal experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual practices with one another, especially through stories. Barriers are broken down when we begin to see all persons, even those with whom we disagree ideologically, as sacred and constantly attended to by a loving Creator. Each column is accompanied by a “story circle” prompt and study guides for personal and group reflection. To share your stories, contact Hannah Button-Harrison at communications@nplains.org. Janis Pyle can be reached at janispyle@yahoo.com.