Angels Unaware

 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Hebrews 13:2 ESV

Years ago, I came across the wonderful book titled – Angels Unaware by Dale Evans Rogers. She wrote of the life lessons she had learned from their daughter Robin who was born with Down’s Syndrome. Being one of those “Old guys” I am fairly sure that the younger generation has never heard of this book or maybe don’t even know who Dale Evans is! That story of the lessons that Dale learned while Robin was here on earth, remind me of the lessons I am learning each week as I visit with Don and Lorna. For those on the outside of nursing home ministry, it may seem a sacrifice or a good deed to visit with those in long term care. But God actually has quite the opposite in mind.

While Lorna was off in her physical rehab yesterday, Don and I sat together and visited in the cafeteria. Don quietly mentioned. “This morning when the aide came in our room, I thought she seemed very cold and all business. But as she helped Lorna get ready for the day, she began to tell us about her life. She was going to have a baby and was facing having to bring it into the world without the father. She was also the only one on duty for our entire wing and was doing the best that she could that day. That made me see just how kind she was being to us.”

When was the last time, we stopped to talk to the people who wait on us at the restaurant, mow our grass or ring up our groceries? Are we more concerned that they missed a corner of the lawn, or forgot to refill our coffee cup than in how their day is going? Precious saints like Don and Lorna carry the accumulated blessings and wisdom of their years of walking with Jesus. What a blessing we miss when we just stay home. But if we go to sit with them and just listen, we might come away amazed at what these angels unaware can teach us!

I love this song by Steffany Gretzinger and it tells a bit of the story of the kindest and most caring friend of all. May you each be blessed and remember to entertain angels of all kinds today!