Image by Adrianna Tucker/Graphic by Lauren Gates
Angel of God My guardian dear, To Whom His love Commits me here, Ever this day Be at my side, To light and guard To rule and guide Amen
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11
I always enjoyed rocking my children to sleep when they were young. After a busy day the quiet, rhythmic rocking was the salve to my soul. In fact, I continued to rock them long after they fell asleep, enjoying the quiet.
One particularly difficult evening while rocking my two-year-old daughter; I found myself feeling especially burdened by what felt like bigger than life challenges. Tears began to well until I could no longer contain them. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I quickly glanced at my daughter to make sure she was asleep, afraid that my tears may frighten and confuse her. Seeing her sleeping so peacefully seemed to be the permission I needed, the dam broke, and more tears streamed, dripping from my cheeks. In an unexpected moment, my daughter lifted her hand to wipe away a tear and lovingly said: “it’s ok mama, your angel is here with you.” At that moment, all of those weighty emotions vanished into pure amazement at her simple yet confident faith in the presence of my angel.
Today as I reflect on that experience from more than ten years ago I understand why so many artists illustrate guardian angels keeping company with small children. Children are joyful and unburdened by the need to rationalize or prove what they cannot see; they are more intuitive and have faith unending. Children know that we do not need to see our guardian angels to know they are with us. God tells us in scripture that we each have our very own angel to guide us as a companion through our earthly life. If you are like me and you need the occasional reminder, it’s ok. You can also make a concerted effort to foster a deeper connection with your angel by
1. Greeting your angel each morning in prayer
2. As you run errands and travel ask your angel to watch over and protect you
3. Ask your angel to enlighten you as you attend mass
4. End your day with a prayer of gratitude to your guardian angel
Remember, we are all a child of God, and he loves us so much that he gave each of us an angel to watch over and protect us, we are always in the company of an angel.
To Jesus through Mary- Amelia Maness-Gilliland
