One day, at Headquarters....
"Hey."
"Hi, how ya doing?"
"Eh." He poured himself a cup of coffee and stared into the swirling steaming brew.
"One of those days, huh?"
A brief sip. "The roughest."
"This day usually is. I take it yours didn't fare so well."
"You could say that again. You know, you work hard every day of your life, faithfully obeying every command, and then when it's all over, it's like....wham! And for what?"
"I can imagine. Remember, though, it's not your fault. You want a doughnut with that? They're fresh."
A half-smirk. "They're always fresh, wise guy. But sure, I'll have one. Any powdered sugar ones left?"
A quick glance in the box resting on the table. "No - Michael was here earlier and took the last one....oops, wait a sec. One just appeared."
They sat down at the polished chrome and glass table, silently pulling their chairs in across the gilded floor. The newcomer carefully picked out his preference and placed it on a china plate.
"Wanna talk about it?"
He nodded while taking a bite of doughnut and a swallow of coffee. "I have a few minutes before my briefing with the head office." He heaved a sigh. "But it is what it is, and I can't change it."
"Exactly."
"Were you ever in The Force?"
The other one shook his head. "No. I'm in Public Relations."
"Really? That's Gabriel's department, isn't it?"
"Yep. Just biding my time until needed." He jerked a thumb towards his chest. "Third trumpet."
"Oooh, nice."
"Well, depends on your point of view. It won't be for a lot of people. But hey," he said, gently putting his hand on the other's arm, "tell me what happened."
"Okay. Today was "the day" - and I'm doing my best, pleading my case, defending my client, making a case for all the good he did. But it was all for nought. My client was cowering and trying to escape the light - like he's allergic to it or something. It was over even before it began."
"What about his accuser. Was he there?"
"Oh yeah - couldn't see him, as he kept to the shadows. But he was there. For every defense I offered, he replied with seven offenses. And all the time, my client was being drawn to him. Trying to become shadow. And then...he was gone." He finished his coffee, and drained the remainder of his coffee. "For seventy-three years I stood by that man's side, tried to give him good counsel, kept him as safe as I was allowed to. Not once did he ever talk to me, ask me for help or acknowledge my existence."
"And yet?"
"And yet, I mourn his loss. Oh, not for any sentimental reason - I mourn because of what he surrendered, on what he squandered. He had every opportunity to embrace the generous offer, and yet he constantly turned his back. On me - but most importantly, on Him."
"You feel rejected."
"A little. Nothing like the rejection He felt - not even close! So maybe I'm disappointed a bit. A little self-pity perhaps. The idea was to remain together forever, you know? A big mansion, with lots of rooms and all, but my client had to go and throw it all away. I know a lot of my friends will enjoy that - many enjoy that experience right now -the companionship, I mean. And many more will experience it later. But not me."
"You're not the only one, you know."
"I know, I know. Still, it kinda stings. I feel like I'm in limbo."
"There is no Limbo."
He made a face at his companion's comment, who returned with a broad smile.
"Just kidding - a little binding and loosing humor there."
"So now I have to go to the head office for my review. What happens next? Do you know?"
A slight shrug of the shoulders. "You just have to hang loose until the end. Word is, is that on R Day, you get sent back to escort him to the valley of Jehosophat. After that, only He knows. Eye has not seen and ear has not heard and all that."
"Yeah, I know. Still - I'm just wondering what I'm going to do in the meantime. I'm not going to get reassigned. My days in The Force are all but over."
"Listen, this might not make you feel any better, but think about this. Thousands upon thousands come through here every day - some come back without even having had the chance to do what they were ordained to do because their client never got the chance to live their life. Imagine how they must feel. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you're not alone."
"So what are you saying? There's an ex-Guardian club and I'm the newest member?"
"No, nothing like that. Have faith. He knows what's He's doing - He's got a plan. He knew from before Time itself that this was going to happen to you, and I'm sure He still has work for you to do. What it is, I don't know. Believe me, you won't be bored."
His companion stood up, flexed his wings, and extended his hand. The other took it and shook it warmly. "I got to get to the head office. Thanks for talking."
"No problem. Oh, and rinse out your mug, will ya? Your mother doesn't live here." Pause, with a half-smile. "You know what I mean."
Christ said all the angels of heaven rejoice at the conversion of one sinner. So it got me wondering - how would a guardian angel feel if the soul he's been assigned to guide has been condemned to Hell? And what happens afterward - what role would they have in heaven ? As far as I know, the Church hasn't taught anything on this. Just curious thoughts about the hereafter...
Instant "Acts"ess
