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Angel
Wings |
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The
summer I was 5 years old I briefly played the part of an angel when three other
girls and I led a group of children down the aisle at St. John the Evangelist
Catholic Church to make their 1st Holy Communion.
Unexpectedly
I was chosen to play the part, because one of the angels got sick that week.
This was an extra special event for me as I was the youngest in my Catholic
summer school class.
I remember walking down the
church aisle feeling uplifted, close to God.
In
retrospect this was a turning point for me in my devotion to God. Just 2 months
later I entered elementary school and on Sundays eventually began studying the
Baltimore catechism, where the first lesson was to know, love and serve God in this world. I read early because as a
toddler and preschooler my mother read many Little Golden Books to me, which I
memorized.
The
words I learned enabled me to read other stories by myself, and I especially
loved my books of children’s prayers. To this day I can see the book
illustrations in my mind.
Beginning
with playing the part of an angel, my focus turned to God in a broader way,
expanding to caring and kindness for others as well as really wanting to know
God. It was my joy.
By
age 8 I was saying a complete rosary before going to sleep at night, with the
intention that it be for the soul in purgatory who needed it the most. I kept
my rosary under my pillow and said the prayers after going to bed. This
devotional practice was my own idea.
From
remembering these early experiences I encourage parents to give children
opportunities to develop devotion for God: Read uplifting books to your kids.
And, it is never too early to encourage children to express the joy of God they
can feel for themselves by being kind to others. Even taking care of a pet is a
way to give kids an opportunity to care.
Uplifting
prayers, songs and dance instill a spiritual joy that only gets stronger over
the years.
When
times are rough spiritual communion provides solace that comforts; consoles.
Angel wings
Feathery light
Lift our thoughts
To do what’s right
Lift our thoughts
To heavenly heights.
~*~
This story is dedicated to
the memory of my dear childhood and lifetime friend, who danced as an angel,
Teri Hill
Wimberley (February 11, 1949 to July 1, 2011)
with her favorite words “Peace”
and “Love”
~*~
Angel Wings copyright © 2011-2015 Susan Helene Kramer; photo credit Jane
F. Kramer
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published June 23, 2011; updated January 31, 2015 |