Something special happened to me this morning. I’d spent an enjoyable hour missioning around York and was walking to the bus stop, laden down with my wares; boxes and birdseed. The bus was already there. I love it when that happens. I got on and asked for a ticket. I reached for my purse to get my card (you can pay with contactless now…yay) and went to pay. The bus driver said I couldn’t pay like that - he’d already put the ticket through as ‘cash’. There was no other way. I’d have to get off the bus, walk to a cash point, and come back. I had five minutes. He didn’t even give me a chance to get my card out. I was too flummoxed to be annoyed.

Then, my guardian angel stepped in.

She was a lady who had seen my quandary. Her name was Antya. She offered to pay for my ticket. I felt awkward inside somehow. This was a new experience for me. Being paid for by a stranger. She told me she’d just finished giving a guided tour of York and had been given lots of tips. It all happened so fast and before I knew it I’d accepted her offer. Wow. She paid for my ticket.

I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Enough that my heart could have burst. It was almost too much to bare - taking kindness from a stranger. I just kept saying thank you as I looked into her eyes and asked her name and said thank you again. I was a jibbering wreck by the end of the encounter : ) It made me feel strange at first and then relieved she was there. She was my angel.

Now I’m reflecting upon how important it is to let people help you. It’s a good lesson - to receive gracefully. I enjoy giving. Receiving is more difficult. Giving helps to heal the world. Accepting the help does too.