Guardian Angel

Last week we had a chance to hand out some pumpkin breads to our friends over at the senior housing development for our 10:5 Movement project.  We went from apartment to apartment.  Tommy was in charge of handing out the bread and saying "Happy Thanksgiving".  Manny was in charge of guarding the breads in the wagon.  I was in charge of handing out the cards.  Good times, some good conversation too and prayer.  

We ran into a friend of ours, "B", who has had some back problems in the past, and was laid up again.  The doctor said she should stay in for at least three weeks without leaving her apartment.  She looked to be in an awful amount of pain.  We prayed and I asked her if there was anything else we could do.  She mentioned needing some help with meals.  I told her we would be back.  

Turns out we have had a friend, "T" who has been making meals for us for a little more than a month.  She gave me a call and said, "I like to cook.  I hear you work with people that could use some meals from time to time.  I am going to make you some meals."  So every other week she gives me a call and we stock up with casseroles, cookies, corn, lasagna, scalloped potatoes and much more.  Truly a mission accomplisher on our end.  T is living out our mission as we equip individuals to compassionately share their time, talents, and gifts as Christ cared for those in need.  

I went back to see B again the following Monday.  She was still in pain and moving slow.  We prayed again and we went through the food that T had cooked.  Then she looked at me, and said, as only an older woman with a hurting back could say, "I was her guardian angel."  It was sweet.  I am not sure how to react to that.  We don't do what we do to be called guardian angels, but is sure did feel good and my heart felt well.  I gave a bunch of credit to T for cooking and so wished she could be there to see how her gift had blessed another.  God has provided us with much, and T is a great example of us sharing that blessing with others who are in need and could use the current gap in their life bridged.  With that, we were, to her, an angel for this day.  I know what she feels like too.  I have been, at times in life, down and out, both physically and spiritually.  I can remember the people who picked me back up, as guardian angels would.  I thought of them so.    

So this is where you come in.  There are many folks like B, right here in town, as well as many folks like T.  The B's could use a conversation, a handshake, a hug, and sometimes even a meal.  The T's have the heart and the means to seve.  You see, the goal isn't to be a guardian angel, I don't think we ever intentionally go out to be that, but we can be lovers of light and carriers of His presence wherever we go.  Crazy how we can do that in a little as an hour or two per month.  You can do it, can't wait to have you with us!

Steve H. 
chief compassionate engager
2Coats, Inc.