At the weekly Sunday evening angel meeting in the church basement, Abner pulled out a white pastry box and opened it with a grand gesture.
“Astounding!” Sniffing the rich aromas drifting from the box, Zuriel rose out of his chair. “What is it?”
“It is a calzone,” Abner explained, slipping his hands into plastic gloves. “A hand-held pastry pie filled with pepperoni and cheeses. Birdie is thinking about selling these during tourist season.”
“They smell heavenly.” Gavriel winked at Caleb, who smiled in response. In honor of this special occasion, the angel captain had taken the seat next to Caleb, and Abner had baked a special treat—what more could a ministering angel ask of his farewell party?
“Everyone, please enjoy them.” Abner began passing out the calzones. “Take one and wrap it in a napkin, no forks needed. Enjoy them while they’re hot.”
Mingled murmurs of appreciation filled the fellowship hall as the angels filled the bellies of their mortal bodies. As Caleb ate, he studied his fellow ministers and realized how much he would miss these fine servants of the Most High God. Gavriel had been a just and honorable captain, Zuriel had never failed to offer a wise word, and Abner had been a delicious delight. Yakov, with his firsthand knowledge of European history and God’s chosen people, had taught him many things, and Elezar’s patient nature had blessed not only Vernie Bidderman but Caleb as well. And while all angels had strong voices with which to praise the Creator, Micah had been given a special musical gift. His melodies could lift the souls of men and angels to the heavenlies with one refrain.
While they ate, each angel gave a brief report about the mortals in the household he guarded.
“Charles, Babette, and Georgie are doing well,” Zuriel announced. “Babette has learned that she carries new life, but I doubt she has any idea how many new souls reside in her womb!”
Caleb grinned. “I have relayed the news to the doctor,” he said. “I don’t think he believed me, but he will keep an eye on Babette. He is curious, at least.”
Micah paused to wipe his mouth with a napkin. “All is well at the bed-and-breakfast,” he reported. “Barbara and Russell have continued to look for an apartment in Ogunquit, and Cleta is learning how to let go. By the time the Lord sends them a child, all three will have matured in wisdom and grace.”
“That is good,” Gavriel said. “Salt Gribbon has matured as well, and his health is much improved.” He shook his head. “One would think that a man of seventy years would be wise in all things, but humans often have blind spots. Salt overexerted himself the other day, but he is learning to rest in the Lord and accept each day as a precious treasure.”
“Bea and Birdie are growing, too,” Abner said. “Bea is a little sad at the thought of Birdie’s moving to the lighthouse, but I’m sure the sisters will remain close. Bea experienced the intimacy of human marriage early in her life; Birdie will discover it in her later years. Both sisters now understand that marital love is a precious picture of the passion the Father feels for them.”
“Love is stirring in Dr. Marc’s heart, too.” Caleb smiled when several angels looked at him with surprise on their faces. “He loves our Annie, though he is not confident about expressing his feelings. I have not spoken to Annie to know if this feeling is reciprocated.”
Gavriel shook his head. “I have not heard from the Father regarding this matter, either. But the Lord will guide you, Caleb, as you guide those to whom you minister.”
Yakov wiped his hands on a napkin. “Mike and Dana have begun to think about expanding their family, but I’m most thrilled about the changes in Buddy Franklin. He is hungry for the Word and seeking the Father’s will in many areas. He has been a delight to serve.”
“Edith Wickam is hungry, too, but lately her thoughts have been too much on physical food.” A shadow moved in Gavriel’s bright eyes. “Many around her have offered wisdom, but she is also surrounded by the foolish voices of men who would bind her with foolish rules and false idols. Edith has yet to learn how to trust the Father in the area of her physical appetite.”
Abner patted his round tummy. “These mortal bodies are easy to overload. Especially in winter, when we do not exercise as much.”
“Still,” Yakov countered, “the human body is easy to operate. It growls when it needs food. It stops growling when it does not. What could be simpler?”
“Humans have a gift,” Gavriel said, standing, “for making the simple complicated. But the Father is faithful, and he will give them light when they are ready to receive it.”
Their meal completed, the other angels stood as well, their chairs scraping the painted concrete floor as they lifted their hands and hearts toward heaven.
Micah began the song. One by one, the other angels joined in:
I will sing of the tender mercies of the Lord forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
Your unfailing love will last forever.
Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
All heaven will praise your miracles, Lord;
Myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.
For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord?
What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord?
The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God.
He is far more awesome than those who surround his throne.
O Lord God Almighty!
Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord?
Faithfulness is your very character.
You are the one who rules the oceans.
When their waves rise in fearful storms, you subdue them.
You are the one who crushed the great sea monster.
You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; Everything in the world is yours—you created it all.
Your throne is founded on two strong pillars— righteousness and justice.
Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
For they will walk in the light of your presence.
Caleb felt a lump rise in his throat as he whispered the final words. His angelic brothers were wondrous beings, but they were still only pale shadows of the One who loved, sustained, and held the universe together by the sheer force of his will.
Faithfulness was his character. Faithfulness was his name.