Sometimes our angel experiences are entwined like a big ball of yarn, and as we pull on the string, one yank at a time, we discover that our path has been knitted with a blanket of love.
As you already know, there are occasions when a certain something, quite ordinary, but of personal significance will show up and stir you awake in the moment. A joyful zsst brings assurance that more is happening than meets the eye. To pay attention. A reminder that you are in the presence of angels.
And, these light-hearted touches are ever-present, but more readily revealed when joyfully open, in gratitude, and fully conscious of the beauty and wonder in each moment.
Almost ten years ago, on a special birthday, a small portrait of a young girl with an envelope and a bouquet of roses showed up at a flea market on the Eastern Shore. Elliot and I had stopped on our way home from my birthday weekend at Chincoteague Island in Virginia. A place I'd always wanted to visit ever since as a young pony-tailed girl, I had read Misty of Chincotague by Marguerite Henry.
I loved her book about two orphaned siblings who were drawn to a wild pony on the Island. To celebrate my birthday weekend, we had stayed at Miss Molly's Inn where the author, Marguerite Henry, had lived while writing her famous book. Secretly, I hoped for some of her creative writing to rub off on me.
To my delight that weekend, I did meet up with a wild pony on the trail and gave him a friendly pat.
So the young Victorian girl with the white envelope and roses was a great birthday keepsake. At home, I often playfully mused, What was inside the envelope? What message would this young girl convey if she could ?
A year or so later, the answer came by surprise. While browsing the books at the Mission thrift shop in Virginia Beach, I opened a book. There she was. Pictured on a notecard. I had never seen her in print anywhere before.
I couldn't wait to get home and look up that Psalm.
These comforting words added more meaning to the sweet angel messenger. Almost ten years later, living in Florida, the little birthday girl portrait now hangs in the laundry room above the washing machine by our back door as we come and go. A reminder that God goes with me wherever I may go.
Timing is everything. Next month is another milestone birthday for me. So last week, while on a spontaneous day trip to Mount Dora, Florida, Elliot and I were enjoying sunshine on the dock, watching the lapping waves and the seagulls when inspiration wafted in on the breeze. Stop by the thrift shop in town.
I didn't mention it to Elliot. After all, we were there to enjoy the outdoors, not bargain hunt. Yet, as we were leaving the dock, I heard again, Go to the thrift shop. It's around the corner. I had only been there once, many years ago with a friend. Then something made me stop. I recognized this insistent nudge as an angel message. There was some reason to go there, something I needed to see, or some person to meet. So we did.
The Hospice Hope Thrift had many lovely things. A funny grandma mannequin, sitting in a rocking chair, was smiling as we entered one of the rooms. Against the wall were large floral stained glass window panels, too big for our windows, but quite a bargain. When I turned around, I was taken aback by an sweet familiar face. The Victorian birthday girl was smiling at me, in a large beautiful matted frame, at an exceptional price. The synchronicity was amazing. This sweet young girl, who had greeted me on my birthday almost ten years ago, had returned, bigger and better. Ready to celebrate another BIG birthday in May! I loved it.
Now, she has a special place, looking over my shoulder as I write at the desk, a wonderful reminder that God is always present. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.
It turns out that her unexpected appearance goes hand in hand with the ponies of Chincoteague. This book by Henry crossed my path in St. Augustine last week. Again, an angel message had guided to make an impromptu stop at a little free neighborhood book drop near our hotel. At first, I didn't see anything for me in the selections, but Whoah!
Misty's Twilight by Marguerite Henry was soon galloping homeward with us.
What little nudges are coming your way? Trust and follow the guidance, even if you go dragging your feet, you'll be happy that you did.
God loves you now and always. Rest in His Love.