The Angels Are Busy

A story that’s part of the Touhill Family Lore describes when Jon first drove the car. I think he was about 2 or 3 years old. I foolishly left the car running as I went up to the door of a friend who was watching some of our older children while Judy was in the hospital with our latest baby. 

As we were talking on the front steps, Rosemary exclaims “AAAUUUUGGGHHH, THE CAR IS MOVING”.  I race after the car as it fortunately backs into a tree and stops. As I arrive at the scene, Laurie is crying, “Jon drove the car… Jon drove the car”. I look over and Jon is back in his seat with his hands folded, looking at the ceiling of the car whistling… “whistle, whistle, whistle”. While I never got the straight scoop, I think he climbed over the seat and jiggled the gear shift into reverse; when the car  bonked into the tree, he quick jumped back into his seat and tried to look innocent. Hmmmmmm. 

I was very grateful that all ended well. I had learned an important lesson of never leaving the car running with kids alone inside. As I ponder this episode some 40 years later, I realize how the Lord saved us from a real tragedy. How often in our lives has God saved us from harm. Most of the time we don’t even realize it. 

October 2^nd is the memorial of the  Guardian Angels. It’s a day recognizing the protective roles that guardian angels have in our lives. I believe that Jesus was referring to our guardian angels in the passage from Matthew 18. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.(Mt. 18:10)

I usually don’t think about my guardian angel. I can think that my excellent “caution and care” has kept me from harm throughout each day over these past 76 years ……. In truth there have been myriads of times when I have been protected from harm…. a few I remember, but most I don’t. “Mr. Magoo” has nothing on me. 

We are always walking on “thin ice” and it’s only the care of our wonderful Lord and his angels that keeps us from disaster each day. Let’s take a moment to thank God for his incredible love and care for each one of us, and thank him for our guardian angels who are always on the job.