Angel of a Shopkeeper

It was supposed to be a relaxing Saturday of window-shopping with my husband, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the terrible afternoon I’d had at work the day before.

I’d come up with a plan to deal with the situation on Monday, and reminded myself there was nothing I could do until then. So why can’t I stop stewing over this, Lord?

In the tourist section of town, Demetri and I came across a new store that sold furniture made from natural wood: tables of rich juniper and buckeye, vivid manzanita and saguaro. But I couldn’t take my eyes off the two-and-a-half-foot-tall angel sitting atop one. She’d be perfect for my collection! But I had so many already—and Demetri and I had decided before setting out that it was not a day for spending.

The charming shopkeeper introduced herself, and Demetri complimented her on the pieces in her shop. The three of us chatted for a while, and I promised to return, sensing a budding friendship.

As Demetri and I were leaving, the shopkeeper handed me the angel. "I want you to have her." I protested, but the shopkeeper insisted.

On the ride home, with the angel sitting in my lap, I realized I had completely forgotten my work woes. It took this pretty angel, and an angel of a shopkeeper, to show me that God doesn’t want me worrying over the mistakes of yesterday, or the uncertainty of tomorrow, but rather enjoying all the unexpected gifts he has in store for me today.