Bailey (Angel Institute #3)

Epilogue

GLADYS

T he light in the grand hall pulses with a soft, golden glow as I stand before Henry and the Archangel Saint Nicholas. The cool marble floor beneath my feet grounds me.

Henry’s kind eyes meet mine, his silver hair catching the light in a way that reminds me of the Star of Bethlehem. The Archangel beside him exudes an aura of power and wisdom that both awes and humbles me. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s to come.

“Gladys,” Henry says, his voice warm and encouraging. “Please, begin when you’re ready.”

My voice fills the hall. “My assignment was to help Bailey learn to live in harmony with the children of God.” I pause. I miss Bailey. She’s a beautiful soul, and I’m so glad that she’s sharing her heart with others once again. These experiences have changed me in ways I’m only beginning to understand, deepening my appreciation for God’s intricate design in every human life.

“I thought that I was there to guide Bailey, and while I did my best, I also learned from her. I’d like to share a few of those lessons with you.”

Saint Nicholas’s face is passive, and I don’t know if he’s impressed or if I’ve somehow failed because I didn’t know all I should have known.

“My first lesson came in understanding the challenge of harmony,” I continue. “I observed that Bailey, like many humans, had a tendency to avoid interactions in an attempt to ‘keep the peace.’” I think back to the moments when Bailey struggled, when she pushed people away out of fear. How different might her journey have been if she had understood earlier that she wasn’t alone, that she could rely on God’s strength.

“Living in harmony with others, even our brothers and sisters in Christ, can be a challenging task. In the end, it requires us to depend on the strength of the Lord to empower us. This journey taught me that our role as guardian angels is not just to guide, but to help our charges tap into that divine strength.”

The memory of Bailey’s transformation brings a smile to my face, and I can feel the joy of that moment radiating through me. It’s a warmth that spreads from my core, filling the air around me with a soft, golden glow a physical manifestation of God’s love.

“This brings me to my second lesson: the importance of trust in the Lord’s plan. I learned that patience is crucial in spiritual growth, both for humans and for us as their guardians. We must trust in God’s timing, even when progress seems slow or setbacks occur.”

I drop my gaze to the lecturn and look at it as I talk.

“The third lesson I learned was about empathy and understanding. Everyone is on a different part of the path. Allowing them to learn at their own pace is difficult, but necessary if they are going to make progress.” I glance up at Henry as I say this, silently thanking him for his guidance and patience throughout my training. His eyes twinkle with pride, and I feel a surge of affection for my mentor.

I think of the moments when Bailey began to open her heart to others, to see them as fellow children of God, how her relationships transformed as she embraced this truth.

“If I earn my wings and begin to work as a guardian angel, I will work to help my charges recognize their connection to God. As God’s highest creation, we don’t have to struggle to love one another, we should forever reflect the love of God to each other. Bailey’s journey taught me that when we align ourselves with God’s love, it flows through us naturally and effortlessly.”

I pause, letting the weight of this truth settle over us.

“In conclusion, this assignment has deepened my understanding of guardianship in ways I never expected, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. Thank you.”

I finish speaking and stand there, waiting for someone to say something. It’s only then that I realize I never used my miracle card. Goodness! I hope they don’t hold that against me.

The silence stretches on, and I resist the urge to duck behind the lecturn. I say a silent prayer, entrusting myself to God’s will.

Finally, Henry steps forward. With a gentle movement, Henry rings a bell. The sound that emanates from it is unlike anything I’ve ever heard, a pure, clear tone that seems to resonate with the very fabric of Heaven itself. As the sound washes over me, I feel a tingling sensation spreading through my body.

“Gladys,” Henry’s voice is filled with warmth and pride, “it is my great pleasure to announce that you have earned your wings. You are now a full-fledged guardian angel.”

Saint Nicholas steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. The touch sends a surge of divine energy through me, cementing my new status. “Well done,” He says. His voice is like a symphony, complex and beautiful. “You have learned well the true meaning of your calling. Go forth and continue to spread God’s love, comfort, and spirit of family among humanity.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, I can’t help myself. I jump up and down and then hug him. He chuckles and returns my hug. Somewhere out there, there’s another Bailey, another Logan, people who need the gentle guidance of a guardian angel to find their way to love, family, and ultimately, to God. I’m ready for them. I’m ready to teach them to live in harmony. It’s what I was made to do, and I can’t wait to get started.

First, I want to try out these wings!

* * *

To continue reading, read book 4 in The Angel Institute Christmas Series.

The angels in training are waiting for you!

Enjoy all the Christmas stories that fill your heart with holiday joy.