Guardian Angels

Cucumber woke up and ran into the kitchen.  "Mommy, mommy.  Look what I found in my bed."  She was holding a tiny pillow feather.  She asked, "where did it come from?"  I answered, "It must have come from your Guardian Angel when he (and of course it could be a she) visited you last night."  Cucumber delighted in this idea.  Then, when we went for a morning walk, she found a feather on the sidewalk and shouted, "What was my Guardian Angel doing out on the street?"

I grew up reciting the Guardian Angel Prayer each night before bed.

Angel of God, my guardian dear

to whom God's love commits me here.

Ever this day be at my side,

to love, to light, to rule, to guide.

Amen.

Sometime in my life I stopped praying to my Guardian Angel.  I don't like to admit it, but I think I forgot that I actually had one.  A few months ago, our priest talked about Guardian Angels in one of his homilies.  He taught us that from beginning until death, human life is surrounded by watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd.  He encouraged us to name our angels (he named his Mark) and have a relationship with them.  I thought about this and decided to name mine Mary, although I haven't done much "relating" to her since.  Now that my kids are learning about angels, I think it's time to resurrect this prayer and ask Mary for her protection, prayers and guidance.   I will delight in the collection of feathers my children are keeping - an innocent reminder to them that they never walk alone in this world.