Last Sunday I was tired and distracted so I slipped out of church early into the service.

I was physically and spiritually exhausted so I drove home and slipped into my comfy fluffy bed and watched episodes of The Biggest Loser. Heh, the irony.

It was one of those mornings that I felt like a loser though my life is so *winning* on so many levels. I hate it when I'm irrational. Gah.

After a short while, a text message arrived from Neighbor Olivia. She asked to come over - that she had something for me and also a story to tell.

It was the best ever ever time for me and hope she enjoyed it, too. She sprawled on my bed and we chatted for an hour or two like we were attending an old-fashioned pajama party.

The *something* she brought to me was a painting done by my Pastor's daughter. The painting is amazing. Olivia and I chatted it up with a favorable critique and in-the-moment decided the painting depicted a tree. It was later in the day when I was studying the painting again that I discovered it was actually an angel. Below is a photo of the painting which is still on my bedside table and will remain there.

The story Olivia shared started with her opening a clasped fist to reveal a small pewter angel I'd given on her birthday. I won't reveal the story here because I think it's hers to tell... but the angel played a significant role in the story.

This is all to say, um, that angels touch my life when I least expect or suspect it. I think they must always be with me - sometimes they're visible as in a painting or a small pewter token - or in the flesh like Neighbor Olivia was that morning. I was feeling glum and distracted that morning and she lifted my spirit to joyful heights.

Thank you to all you angels out there who watch over me.

Oh, and by the way, Neighbor Olivia is 22 years old and so very wise beyond her years.