Angels Unaware

Angels Unaware

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained an angel unaware"-- Hebrews 13:2.

There was a story about a young boy who asked his father where God lives. “Oh, my son God lives in a far away place and it will take a long trip to get there” was the father’s reply. The young boy, firm on his decision packed his suitcase with cupcakes, several cans of iced tea and started on his journey.

Walking leisurely and had gone for about five blocks, he chanced upon an old woman. Feeling the morning’s heat, he taught  that it was a good to take a rest on the bench next to the old woman. He was about to take a drink from his iced tea when he noticed the lady looked hungry so he offered her a cupcake. She gratefully accepted and smiled at him.

Her smile was so wonderful that he wanted to see it again, so he offered an iced tea as well. Once again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling without saying a word.

As dusk falls, the young boy realized how tired he was and wanted to go home. He got up to leave but before he had gone no more than a few steps, he turned around and ran back to the old woman, giving her a big hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy arrived home his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked, "What has made you so happy today?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." Before his mother could respond he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile in the whole world!"

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face. He asked, "Mother, what has made you so happy today?" She replied, "I ate cupcakes in the park with God." And before her son could reply, she added, "You know, he is much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Take no one for granted and embrace all equally with joy.