Don't have to look far for angels

link Patti Dobson

Religion columnist

I have a new favorite quote: “I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives,” credited to singer Tracy Chapman.

I believe in angels, and believe they walk among us. I believe in the wonder of ordinary people doing ordinary (and at times extraordinary) things because their heart tells them to do something. They’re not ruled by the mind, but guided by the heart.

You may recognize some of these people.

He’s the older fellow standing in front of a local store, ringing bells for the Salvation Army. She’s the student who quietly makes her way to the side of an international student who’s struggling with homework. He’s the soldier from the air base who, seeing your cart stuck on the threshold of the door at the market while you’re fighting the 40-mph wind, runs up to help dislodge the wheel. (Thanks, by the way).

She’s the woman who struggles to live paycheck to paycheck, yet always has extra to share. He’s the vet (and company) who shaves a bit off a bill to get a wounded stray furbaby ready for adoption. He’s the kid who, knowing his mom struggles with a chronic illness, offers to do chores just so she can have a break. She’s the grandmother who takes in her great grandchildren because that’s what you do for family.

These earth-bound angels live by the heart. They don’t over think a situation or ask what should be done, they just respond from the heart.

I don’t know who wrote this, but I love the message:

An old pilgrim was making his way to the Himalayan mountains in the bitter cold of winter when it began to rain. An innkeeper said to him, “How will you ever get there in this kind of weather my good man?”

The old man answered cheerfully — “My heart got there first, so it’s easy for the rest of me to follow.”

He’s mastered the lesson of being an ordinary angel.

Patti Dobson writes about faith for the Portales News-Tribune. Contact her at:

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