GLADYS
I bounce into the classroom, my golden curls bobbing with each step. The air crackles with excitement, and I can barely contain myself as I plop down in my chair next to John. John has wrinkles around his eyes and smile lines. He’s stoic and yet has a good heart. I know this because he likes to wear socks with different designs on them. It’s like, he has this hidden personality that he can’t tamp down.
“Oh, gosh!” I exclaim as I accidentally knock over my pencil holder. “Sorry, sorry!” I scramble to gather the scattered pencils, offering an apologetic grin to my fellow angels-in-training. I’m one of the few angels who have anything on her desk. I like things where I can see them; they help inspire new ideas. Like this pencil holder . . . what else could it be used for? Why, the possibilities are endless.
John chuckles warmly. “Gladys, you’re a whirlwind. Here, let me help you with those.”
I suppose I am a whirlwind. I don’t mean to be; it’s just the way I was created. I can’t stop it anymore that Rose can stop tap dancing. “Thanks, John. I’m just so excited. Can you believe we’re finally getting our assignments?”
John nods, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. “I know. It’s a big day for all of us.”
Henry, our revered instructor and mentor, clears his throat, drawing our attention to the front of the room. His majestic wings are folded neatly behind him, and his slightly messy, silver hair catches the light.
“Welcome,” Henry begins, his voice warm and reassuring. He loves us. I just know it down to the bottom of my feet. Success seems so much more possible with his encouragement and desire for each of us to move on to full guardian angel status. “... Each of you will receive a letter with your final assignment on Earth.”
I lean forward, hanging on his every word. Christmas on Earth! What a wonderful time of year to bring joy, love, goodness, hope, and all the feelings that Christ inspires in each of us.
Henry’s tone grows more serious. “... in danger of losing Christmas Spirit forever.”
Lillian, always quick to speak up, starts to ask, “That means—.”
Henry nods solemnly. “It means that you are important in The Plan.” His gaze meets each of ours in turn. “Never forget that.”
I sit up straighter, feeling a swell of pride. I didn’t get promoted to shift manager at the Blessings Hotline for nothing, after all. We are all important to The Plan, but today, I feel just a little bit more important than yesterday, and that’s because I’ll be helping someone find their way. Er–rather, not lose it completely. Lost souls are a whole other level of guardianship. Maybe one day, I’ll get an advanced degree and move up, but for now, I’m more than content to help those who stand at a crossroads.
Henry continues, explaining our mission parameters. “You have until midnight on Christmas Eve to fulfill your mission, and then you’ll return here to give a dissertation on your experience before an archangel. Pass, and you’ll earn your wings. Fail, and you’ll have to wait a hundred years before you can apply to try again.”
A collective groan ripples through the room. John raises his hand, his colorful socks peeking out from under his robe as he shifts in his seat. “Is failure really possible?”
Henry’s expression softens. “We have a twenty percent failure rate. It happens. Some angels fail several times. Don’t be discouraged, and don’t worry about what happens next. Focus on the good. Work in faith. You’ll do just fine.”
As Henry begins handing out the letters, I can barely sit still. I watch as my classmates receive their assignments, each reacting in their own way.
When Henry reaches me, his eyes twinkle with mischief. “Gladys, are you ready for your big adventure?”
I nod enthusiastically, nearly bouncing out of my seat. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve got for me.” I hold out my hands and wiggle my fingers.
He hands me the letter with a knowing smile. “Your creativity will serve you well for this.”
As I take the letter, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I say a quick prayer before opening it, my heart pounding with anticipation.
My excitement dims slightly as I read the details. “Oh, Bailey,” I whisper to myself, my heart aching for her.
Rebecca, seated behind me, leans forward. “What did you get, Gladys?”
I turn to her. “I’ve got to help a woman named Bailey. She’s having trouble connecting with others.”
Rebecca nods sympathetically. “That sounds challenging. I think you’ll do great, though. You like complex machines.”
I smile gratefully at her encouragement. “Thanks, Rebecca. What about you?”
She sighs dramatically. “All things are possible with God, right?”
“Right!” Lillian pipes up from across the aisle, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Think I can use lollipops as bribes?”
We all laugh away the tension that has gathered inside of us as we learned the plight of our assignments.
John adjusts his colorful socks, a habit he does when he’s nervous. “I’m assigned to help a kid.”
I giggle. To John, everyone seems like a kid. He could have a sixty-year-old man for all I know. Hey! Maybe I’ll see them. I don’t know how often our assignments cross paths, but it’s a possibility.
Henry dismisses us to get started, and I clutch my assignment letter to my chest as we leave the building. I love it on campus; it’s a place of learning. But I can’t be an eternal student—I asked. At some point, they want you to give back. I get it; I do. And I’m ready to do my part.
“Earth, here I come,” I declare, my voice filled with determination and joy. “Ready or not, Bailey, it’s time to rediscover the beauty of human connection!”