by Jason Ray France

Created on: August 07, 2009

Several years ago, while visiting friends in Salt Lake City, I stopped at a local Wendy's for a quick bite to eat. I had ordered my food and was just sitting down to eat, when I noticed a somber looking lady sitting at the back of her house, enjoying a cigarette. She was upper middle age, looked haggard, and wasn't very well kept. The home looked old and wasn't in good repair. Something told me that this lady could use a boost. I gathered up my food, mustered up my courage, and went outside to meet her.

She looked a little apprehensive as I approached her. As I got closer, I could better see the gray of her hair, the wear on her face, and the decay of her teeth. I gave her my best smile and asked if I could eat with her. Her whole expression changed. It was half shock and half exhilaration, it seemed. "Why would you want to do that?!" she asked. "I'd just like some company if you don't mind," I answered. She accepted and I offered to share my food with her, but she said that she had already eaten. The conversation was awkward at first, but soon we were visiting like old friends.

Her whole demeanor changed right before my eyes. Her face looked so much more relaxed, and there was an unexpected light that shown about her. As she sensed my genuine interest, she began to open up about her life. She told me about falling in love with her husband, and then losing him to divorce. Her children and grandchildren brought her the most joy, but she lost a lot of sleep worrying about them. She was especially concerned about her biker son and his lifestyle. She had plenty of financial setbacks, but she was grateful for what she had. As I shared stories about my young family, she laughed and said that I have a lot to look forward to.

Later that day, I heard the song, "Hands" by Jewel. The opening lyrics are, "If I could tell the world just one thing, it would be that we're all okay." It hit me like a ton of bricks, and I cried uncontrollably. I felt within myself the connection that makes us all one. I knew that something had been different about that day-that for some reason, I had glimpsed who this woman really was, rather than who I thought she was. Her countenance had been that of an Angel, and I realized that's exactly what she had been to me. I came away from that experience a changed man, and somehow, I would never see others in quite the same way again.

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. -Ephesians 3:19

Personal Challenge: The next time that you're out and about, discover an Angel.

Learn more about this author, Jason Ray France.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.