The verse is a gentle reminder that the ordinary can often carry extraordinary significance, and our interactions may have ripple effects far beyond our comprehension.
In 1998-99, during the most tumultuous period of my life, this idea of entertaining angels took on a deeply personal resonance. I was embroiled in a grueling divorce and custody battle, fighting tooth and nail for the right to raise my then 3 and 4-year-old daughter and son. As I look back, I realize I encountered individuals who seemed to arrive at pivotal moments, offering guidance, comfort, or clarity—angels in disguise, though I did not recognize them as such at the time.
One unforgettable encounter occurred at the gym during the early stages of the legal proceedings. After my ex-wife was awarded temporary custody, I was consumed with despair and found solace in my fitness routine. One Saturday afternoon, I left the gym after an hour-long workout, only to inexplicably make a U-turn and return. I had no specific reason to go back, but the moment I re-entered the locker room, I discovered my driver’s license sitting in the locker I had used earlier. Until then, I hadn’t even realized I’d left it behind.
A lone man sat on a nearby bench as I retrieved my license. I casually mentioned the serendipity of finding it. His response was startling: “Isn’t God good?” I hesitated before mumbling, “Yeah, God is good.” I didn’t then, nor do I presently identify with organized religion, but his words lingered. I shared my struggles with him, and he asked, “Do you mind if we pray?” Surprised but moved by his sincerity, I agreed. He knelt on the floor and said a brief prayer. I thanked him and left shortly after. Strangely, I never saw him at the gym before or after that day, despite being a regular. In hindsight, his presence felt like a divine intervention, a moment of reassurance during an otherwise dark time. A year later, I was awarded full custody of my children, who have grown into successful adults.
Another instance of “entertaining angels” occurred in 1985, when I moved from Dallas, Texas, to the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a bold leap of faith—a nearly three-day drive with only my toy poodle, Tiff, for company. With $1,500 to my name and no job prospects, I was overwhelmed by the Bay Area’s high cost of living. I had left Dallas after being unfairly terminated from my job by a supervisor whose advances I had rejected. Though devastated, I used my severance pay to start over.
Within months of arriving, I landed a position with AT&T, passing the written test and omitting my previous employment at Southwestern Bell to avoid questions about my termination. Five months later, my supervisor, Nancy, called me into her office. A Raiders fan like me, Nancy had always been kind, so I wasn’t alarmed. To my surprise, she informed me that AT&T would “bridge my service” with Southwestern Bell, which meant a raise and additional vacation time. What began as a devastating job loss in Dallas turned into an unexpected blessing.
Still, my financial situation remained precarious in those early months, and finding an affordable apartment seemed impossible. Discouraged, I considered returning to Dallas. One day, I crossed paths with a slightly heavyset African American woman who seemed to notice my distress. We struck up a conversation, and I confided my fears about being unable to make it in the Bay Area. Her calm, soothing words were simple yet profound: “You’ll find something you can afford. Don’t give up.” The very next day, I discovered a small, affordable one-bedroom apartment—part of a converted duplex—that became my home for five years. Her reassuring presence felt otherworldly, as though she had been sent to guide me in a moment of doubt.
Reflecting on these encounters, I am struck by how ordinary moments can carry extraordinary meaning. The gym patron’s prayer and the stranger’s encouragement both came during pivotal times when I needed hope and direction. At the time, I didn’t recognize these individuals as anything beyond kind strangers, but in retrospect, their impact feels almost divine.
The idea of entertaining angels unawares invites us to approach life with humility and openness. Whether through a simple act of kindness or a profound conversation, these moments remind us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the unseen forces that guide us. While I cannot say with certainty that these individuals were literal angels, their presence felt heaven-sent, and their influence continues to resonate in my life.
Life often places us at crossroads where the kindness of a stranger can make all the difference. Whether offering a prayer, words of encouragement, or simply a listening ear, these moments can provide clarity and strength. They remind us that we are never truly alone, even in our darkest hours.
As I look back on my journey, I am grateful for the angels—known and unknown—who walked with me. Their presence affirmed the power of compassion and the mystery of life’s intricate design. Indeed, we would all do well to heed the wisdom of Hebrews 13:2, remaining open to the possibility that in welcoming others, we may be welcoming angels unawares.
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