I went back and read over my writing from just after I had received my third wing. I spoke then of the difference I felt, of what a relief it was to no longer feel the weight of exhaustion on my shoulders.
This time it is not like that. I was not wearing myself down this time—I was not pressing my limits so much that it was a blessing to have them expanded. This time it feels more that the power has been given to my will and my heart rather than to my spirit. I feel more confident in myself, more assured and comfortable in my actions.
Is this how it feels to my charges when I draw close to them? As if someone who loves me is standing right behind my shoulder? I suppose that is the case, for is this not a gift from my seniors to give me strength? If so I am all the more grateful for it.
Inca teased me that I was getting far too important to be working with her anymore, but I denied that immediately. I am proud to continue my work with her, and with Brid. Brid was very happy for me, too. She remarked that the change has deepened and strengthened my aura as expected, but it is still my own—“and that,” she said, “is a wonderful thing.”
It seems to have helped Harrison this afternoon. Our mutual charge is dealing with a surprising offer made by an old friend of his. They have not spoken in some time, so it has taken this long for this friend, Jared, to hear of Harrington’s misfortune. He called the other day to offer his sympathies, and something more.
“I hope you’ll forgive me for talking business,” Jared said, “but I wonder if you’ll consider something for me.”
“Oh?” Harrington asked, “what’s that?”
“Well, you know I have a couple of shops in my area now, Harry, and I’m looking to expand. I’ve been thinking about your town for a while, but I didn’t want to cut into your business.”
Harrington looked down at his knees, much thinner now than they were several months ago. “Kind of you,” he said wryly.
“Well, you know how it goes. But now, with circumstances as they are—I wonder if you’d be willing to sell?”
Harrington blinked. He has been avoiding thinking about this, but in his heart he is well aware that selling the shop may be his only option, long-term. He has not had much luck hiring a new mechanic, and even if he were to do so, his own position would be slightly awkward, being unable to work in the shop as he always did in the past.
“Don’t answer right away, of course,” Jared said into Harrington’s silence. “I’m in no hurry. But I’d give you a fair price, Harry, you know that—more than fair, even. And it could open things up for you to explore new options.”
Harrington’s heart sank. He does not want any new options—only the ones that are now impossible to him.
I bent over him, spreading my wing around his shoulders. “As he said, you have time,” I whispered. “This may be right for you and your family, and it may not be. But it is a good offer, meant kindly, and a good thing to consider. Do not let your fears hide that from you.”
Harrington took a deep breath and said, “Well, Jared, that is an interesting offer. I am going to need some time to think about it, but I definitely will.”
“Of course,” was Jared’s immediate reply. “Take all the time you need, talk it over with Isabella, do some math, whatever you need to do. You know my number. In the meantime, rest up, buddy, and I hope you feel well soon. We’re praying for you.”
Those last words made Harrington smile. “Thanks, Jared.” He hung up the phone and set it aside. Praying, in fact, was an excellent idea, he thought, and so he bowed his own head.
I left him to it. It is good to see him pray—he has gotten out of the habit in the past few months, but he is finally beginning to feel that he can approach our Father again. That can only lead to good things for him.
As for me, I look forward to many good things ahead—new charges, new challenges, new opportunities to learn and grow and to fight the Long Fight. I pray that my new strength will be used well in service of our King.