“Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear! 

There is light within a person of light,

and it lights up the whole world. 

If it does not shine, it is dark.” 

Jesus of Nazareth, Gospel of Thomas, 24

An Angel Among Us

Waiting my turn at the LAX American Airlines Terminal Burger King at 5:30am I watched the woman who filled the orders.  She had an individual smile for each customer, asking them if they wanted juice or coffee with their value meal.  Each was lovingly told where to find the napkins and the ketchup.  Each half-awake traveler was told to have a nice day with real sincerity.  By the time it was my turn to receive her kindness I had to tell her how much I appreciated and admired her spirit.  Her smile grew even brighter.  I felt the depth of her heart.

For many people, having to be at work before 5 am, dealing with the public, for what is hardly a living wage, would be crushing, but for this woman it seemed that she felt SHE was the one who was deeply blessed.  Every day she faces people who are flying around the world for any number of reasons.  Some are flying to or from funerals, some are frightened of flying, others worried about their jobs, their families.  I saw that she recognized her opportunity to provide a personal and powerful blessing for each customer.  We all have this opportunity regardless of our circumstances.

I seek to walk in the world as a loving, giving presence wherever I am and with whomever I’m with, and with every passing day I find more joy in my walk.  Still, I don’t know that I could do what this Angel does.  I know many people who yearn for a deeper expression of life purpose, more loving relationships, more peace, more prosperity.  People often think they have to go somewhere special or take a special class to be transformed.  I hear the words “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”   This woman at the Burger King seemed to have it all because she was giving so much to each one she met.  With every breath she teaches us that if we want more love we need to be the love we seek. 

Affirmation:

My daily practice is to be the love I seek.

God’s love lives in my heart. 

Wherever I am, I shine God’s light of love.