Most people think of guardian angels as winged, spiritual beings who intercede on our behalf every day. Certainly, there are spiritual beings that we call angels who do stay with us and help us to fulfill our purpose here on Earth, no matter how short or long our stay. They are always present and always available to answer our prayers, although the answers to our prayers don't always look the way we expect them to. Indeed, our guardian angels don't always look the way we expect them to, either.

The Universe is constantly working in our favor, and it responds immediately to our thoughts and desires, whether they are beneficial for us or not. So when we ask for help, the Universe responds. If we are expecting one specific outcome, we are likely to think that our prayers have not been answered, when in fact we are overlooking the answer that is right in front of us. God's messengers do not always appear in the form of spirit. More often than not, God's messengers are you and me.

We all have the capacity to be guardian angels for one another. Every day, we have the opportunity to do what God needs of us, no matter how large or small the task. There is no coincidence in this life, and the people we meet each day, friend and stranger alike, come to us for a reason. They may be in your life to teach you something about yourself, to resolve old karma, to be a guardian angel for you and help you on your path, or they may appear because they need you to be their guardian angel that day.

Deeds that seem trivial to us in the moment can have a profound impact on someone else's life. A friendly smile for someone who has given up hope can be a lifeline. The spare change in your pocket may buy someone a few hours of warmth in a coffee shop, with access to a rest room. Sharing your expertise with someone who needs help can make the difference in gaining employment or solving a problem. There are no limits to the ways in which we can be guardian angels for others.

The Universe works in mysterious ways, however, and sometimes we may think that we are the guardian angels in a given situation, when in fact the reverse is true. The person in need to whom you extend a hand may do more for you in the end than you realize. Gifts and answered prayers do not always come in physical packages. A flash of insight, a feeling of connection with another person, or the opening of a door in your heart or soul that you didn't know existed before are all profound gifts that you will never forget.

When we take the opportunity to be a guardian angel for others, we have the opportunity to help ourselves. The person you take by the hand is part of the oneness of God with you. This person IS you. When a humble carpenter said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me," he recognized his Oneness with all of Creation. When we understand this for ourselves, we know that when we look another human being in the eyes, we are seeing ourselves reflected back to us. And whatever we do not do for one of the least of these, we do not do for ourselves. Being a guardian angel is a profound healing opportunity for us.

So, what will God need of you today? We won't know until it happens, but whatever comes your way, look upon it as an opportunity to don your wings, and then listen for the sound of the bell.

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