It was a bright sunny day in February. My husband and I were taking advantage of a free day off of work in the middle of the week. There’d be less people to share the trail in the popular spot in the White River Canyon. Cross country skiing was a new hobby for us and we really enjoyed being outdoors in the snowy woods without sinking to our waists. 

We skied along the canyon. The snow had a crust of ice, but we did fine. That’s because we were going slightly uphill, an advantage to novice cross country skiers. When we reached the end of the canyon and turned around, we realized that descending would mean we’d have to go down on that ice-crusted snow. It was difficult. I kept falling down and had recently injured my knee and it began to throb. I wondered if we’d get back, but there was no other way but to keep moving. And falling down. My husband was doing fine—he always caught onto physical skills quicker than me—but he was patiently encouraging me. Soon, a single skier came alongside of us. We hadn’t noticed him before, but we chatted about skiing and how much we enjoyed the outdoor winter wonderland. He casually gave us some technics that helped us and I became more confident and able to keep upright. At last, we reached a flatter portion of the canyon and the trail was not so daunting. Just like that, the man was gone. There was nowhere he could go. The canyon ended where we turned around and there was no where to go but to the road. 

We finally, we got back to the parking lot and into our car, took off our outer clothing and boots, and warmed up with some hot chocolate we had in our thermos. We were so relieved we’d gotten back before dark. As we drove home, we discussed our experience with the mysterious skier.  We hadn’t seen him going up the canyon. He didn’t ski down to the road either. He just disappeared. 

We’d  been helped by an angel. Neither of us had any doubt.

There have been other times in my life where this might have happened, but this time, the two of us were sure we’d been assisted by an angel–yes–but ultimately, God.

What a precious thought. The God who created us, also created angels to give charge over us. More than angels as a gift to care for us, God gave His only Son to rescue us. For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:16-17 NLT).

How often do we take for granted the enormous gift given to us?

“Lord, thank you for loving us so much you sent your only Son to rescue us when we believe in you! Thank you, too, for the protective angels we sometimes see, but mostly take for granted. Help me remember the beautiful gift you’ve given. Amen.”

Have you had an angel appearance in your life? Write it down. Share with someone. They are a gift.

 

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