Angels in My Path

This past week I was reminded of the selfless service of “angels in my path”, friends who took time out of their busy schedules to spend an evening brainstorming and meditating with me about my future. They came without expectation, open to whatever the Spirit might bring. Our time together was bathed in love and care. A variety of poems invited us to gaze deeply into our souls calling us to consider opportunities instead of obstacles, to ponder possibilities in the midst of pain.

As we wrote our thoughts in response to the poetry some of the messages were offered as gifts for me to consider while others became personal reflections. Prior to the evening I had chosen a poem titled, “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer as one we would use in these meditation exercises. You can read the poem by following this link: http://skdesigns.com/internet/articles/prose/oriah_mountain_dreamer/invitation/

Four questions came to me after reading and reflecting on the poet’s message.

• Why am I so focused on trying to hide, fade, or fix my pain?
• Who needs me to stand with them in the center of the fire? (Like my friends did for me.)
• Why can’t I express joy without being careful? Is it because I don’t know joy or because I’m just too careful?
• Can I shout “yes” to all this past year’s failures?

The challenge of these questions is still ringing in my ears. I don’t have answers to any of them right now but I know they are worth asking. Without the “angels in my path” I may never have mustered the courage to pose these questions or to wonder what God has in store for me in the days and weeks ahead.

Later that week I received a handwritten letter from a friend I have been coaching through a time of transition. Her note shared the good news that a new opportunity has emerged and she has accepted the challenge. Before I could fully absorb the impact of her decision, she shared that I was one of the “angels in her path” who gave her the courage to follow her heart. All the emotion of a stressful week was released as I realized how special this message was in the context of my own journey. Thanks to the “angels in my path” this week and throughout my life. I hope you notice and appreciate the “angels in your path” as well.

“When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” Audre Lorde