I hadn’t been on a train trip in a long time.
My best friend moved away when she got married, so it had been years since we were able to have a long visit. With our children raised and out of the house, we both knew the time was right to plan our mini-reunion.
I decided to travel by train, so I purchased round trip tickets. The trip would take five and a half hours. It sounded like a fun adventure to me.
There are two trains stations in Chicago, one for city trains, one for Amtrak. My husband and I identified the right place on a map, and make our way downtown. A quick kiss in the drop-off lane, and I trundled through the rotating doors into Union Station.
Looking up to check the monitor for my train, I thought, “That’s funny. These are all commuter trains?” Oh no. I was at the wrong station. I had to drag my eighty pounds of luggage six city blocks to Union Station. My arm muscles were jumping, and I was a sweaty mess. But I made it.
I silently thanked God for my two strong legs and a rolling suitcase. Only one more challenge. Once on the train, I had to heave one of my bags up to the overhead racks.
My arms were so weak from pulling the suitcases. When I swung the bag up to shoulder height, the forty-pound bag slid back into my face. My glasses were shoved off my eyes and jammed sideways across my cheeks. I was frozen in place, knowing I couldn’t hold on.
It seemed like hours, but in the next few seconds I didn’t know if I was going to fall, or if the suitcase would knock me aside and hit another rider. Just as I felt myself start to fall, a man appeared behind me, grabbing my bag while asking “Do you need any help?” He effortlessly launched the bag up to the rack. To me, it was a miracle. I was so relieved I wanted to cry.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!” He just nodded in my direction, and took his seat. Grabbing my glasses, I realized the frames were in one piece. Another miracle!
A few stops before my destination, I asked the conductor to take the suitcase down for me. My angel was getting off the train at the end of the line, just like me. I planned to thank him again when we stopped. Without his help, I would have gotten hurt that day, struggling helplessly in the narrow aisle of the train car.
I didn’t get a change to talk to him. Instead, I watched him climb down the stairs of the train car, and disappear into the crowd. I never did see his wings…but I know they were there.
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Linking today with: Unforced Rhythms
This is so beautiful Ceil 🙂 brought tears to my eyes. I can imagine how it was. Our God is amazing.
Sorry Ceil for not be here so much but your posts go to my email and I read some of them.
hugs, Delvalina
Hi Delvalina! It’s great to see you anytime you can come by, you know that! I know your internet access is limited.
I couldn’t believe that this man came out of ‘nowhere’ to help me. I really thought I was going to whack the passenger sitting behind me! God was so good to me, I really did almost cry myself.
Glad you are reading on email Delvalina. We can stay connected that way!
Blessings,
Ceil
Oh Ceil, what a blessing! God always has what we need right when we need it 🙂 Thinking of you with your glasses sideways gave me a smile, sweet friend. I’ve had that happen a time or two with my sunglasses 🙂
Love and hugs!
Hi Stephanie! I was actually really worried about my glasses. I had just gotten them, and I really liked them! But God made sure even those came through intact. It was an amazing experience, let me tell you.
God does come when we need him. It’s good to have these reminders, isn’t it?
Blessings,
Ceil
Oh, I love that God knows exactly what we need … and the best person to fill
in those gaps that seem to crop up way too often.
I hope that your week leaves you with your glasses intact, my friend!
😉
Hi Linda! The best person to help me definitely came on time, that’s for sure. I just got back from a return trip to see my friend (she had some surgery and I went to help her out a little), and I was able to stow the suitcase myself. Phew!
It helps to be at the right depot too 🙂
Thanks for your visit tonight!
Ceil
Ceil…what a sweet story! Yes, I believe there are angels among us wherever we go! Some folks might just think this was a nice guy…and he surely must have been…but God placed him there just for you at that very moment. This reminds me of an older song from the 80’s….”God still moves, God still moves, in the hearts of people, God still moves…..” I hope you had a wonderful visit with your friend!
Hi Debby! I do think that people miss the work of God because they just figure “it was a nice guy.” But I really think he was my angel that day! I was about to hurt myself or someone else.
God still moves…he sure does 🙂
Have a good night my friend,
Ceil
Our son lives just outside Chicago and Dick and I have taken the train to Union Station to visit him. So glad God sent a little help just when you needed it! It is so hard to shove a suitcase into a bin that is over your head! Don’t you just love how God works, sending that fellow there just at the right time. God is good–all the time!
Hi Pam! Then you know exactly what I was doing don’t you! I think it would have been possible if I didn’t have to pull those bags to the other station. But the whole situation did create a place for God to work, so that is a great thing.
God is good all the time! And I love it when he works so transparently 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
God put him in your path that day! I love the way He takes care of us, in the big and small things!
Hi Mari! I completely agree with you. I have no idea how that whole episode would have ended without that angel intervening. I have the feeling it would not have ended well at all!
Happy Monday!
Ceil
A lovely touching story. God does send us help when we need it ~ usually in the form of an “angel” like the one you encountered. Thanks for sharing this experience.
Hi Deb! It’s my pleasure to share it. I was so overwhelmingly glad for this man’s help, I just can’t tell you… He was surely sent by God so I wouldn’t hurt myself or anyone else.
Have a great Monday 🙂
Ceil
What a great story. I too get teary eyed when I witness the goodness of others. I’m glad your angel was there to help you. I hope that you had a wonderful visit with your friend.
Hi Kathleen! How nice to see you here!
I did have a great visit with my friend. She had just had surgery, so I could help her out a little (esp. with driving). I just got back from my third trip down there, and I was able to score a floor-level place for my suitcase. Phew!
Have a great day, and I hope you see an angel in your Monday!
Ceil
Thank God for those special angels that are there to rescue when we need them
This made me smile …
Hi Margie! I’m so glad this could start your day with a smile (or maybe send you to bed with one?). This man was truly heaven-sent.
To me, he was a great sign of God’s love for his struggling child on an Amtrak train 🙂
Have a blessed Monday,
Ceil
What a wonderful story … well … it’sending anyway. I’m so glad you are well and safe Ceil. Praise the Lord. And prayers to your railway angel.
I remember once asking the tickets man at our railway station for a round trip ticket. He asked me: Where to? I replied: To back here of course!
Some of those ticket staff aren’t bright at all.
God bless.
Hi Victor! The story did have a happy ending! Gotta love that. And thank you for your prayers to my angel, I should pray for him as well. He was a true and timely help!
I’m sure the ticket person was thankful for your answer to the question. Sounds like he was mixed up 🙂
Have a wonderful Monday!
Ceil
Aww…That’s a beautiful story! Nothing is ever a surprise to God. And He knows how to provide for all our needs. Your story brings Psalm 91 to my memory ~ “Giving His angel charge over you, that you may not dash your foot against a stone.” Thank God for keeping you safe!
Ceil, have a safe and delightful day 🙂
Hi Shade! Great Scripture for this situation I found myself in…thank you!
You are so right, God knew all along how helpless I would be, and how much I’d need his intervention. And he didn’t disappoint, that’s for sure. God bless that man who answered the call to assist me, teetering in that aisle. I don’t know what would have happened without him!
Blessings friend!
Ceil
A couple of years ago, I took a train from VA to CT to visit my sister. I know how you feel!. Even though I had a relatively small suitcase, lugging it up and down was no fun. I hope the rest of the trip was a joy. Love how God finds small ways to take care of us.
Hi Crystal! It is just really awkward to lug your suitcases up the stairs into the train car, and then heft it overhead. I learned that I needed help! Thanks be to God who was right there to call his angel to help me 🙂
it was a good trip. I was able to help my friend recover from surgery. It was tough for her, but I’m glad I could be there for a short while.
Have a good afternoon!
Ceil
God blindsides me a lot with his intervention. Thanks for the story Ceil.
Hi Bill! You are a blessed man indeed! Well, we all experience God’s interventions, but do we notice or recognize him in them? It’s a great grace to be ‘blindsided’, and know it’s him 🙂
Have a great afternoon!
Ceil
Random acts of kindness can seem so surprising to us, but are so appreciated! This is a great story and a wonderful reminder to step in for someone who needs a helping hand!
Blessings, Joan
Hi Joan! I didn’t think of it in the frame of a Random Act of Kindness, but it sure was. Thank you for that thought!
He really was that kindness to me. I don’t know what I would have done without him. It spurs me on to be more ready to step out, just like you mentioned.
Hope you have a peaceful evening, nice to see you!
Ceil
What a comfort to know God is with us all the time, working out even the smallest of details! Hope you had a wonderful visit with your friend. 🙂
Hi Karen! You are so right, it is such a comfort. Just when I think it’s going to be a disaster, he sends his angel-helper.
I did have a good visit! She continues to heal from surgery, and I’m always happy to get out there and help any way I can.
Peace to you,
Ceil
I’m glad your earthly ‘angel’ was there to help you Ceil
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”.
Andrina X
Hi Andrina! I have that very saying on my wall! My mom gave it to me years ago. I certainly met an angel that day. I was so grateful, it about brought me to tears right there in the aisle of that train car.
I’m very glad he was there for me too, believe me.
Nice to see you today!
Ceil
God comes to us in many forms, doesn’t he? I love this story and the way you tell it is stirring. Thank you.
Hi Amber! He sure does. I remember being told that God can use anything to do his will, or spread his joy. It sure was true of me that day. I thank God for that man, I really think I could have hurt someone or myself if he hadn’t come.
So glad you liked the post today. I hope I see you again 🙂
Ceil
I love how the Lord send sweet blessings like this into our lives. It did make me think of a man who helped me with my suitcase several years ago. When I stopped to thank him he replied, “That’s okay, my mom told me to be nice to older ladies.” His halo sank a little for me at that moment. Rev’s been trying to assure me it’s not true ever since. LOL Enjoy a blessing-filled day Ceil!
Hi Deb! Well, I think you got the epitome of the left-handed compliment! I’ve been getting a little of that myself. A young man recently came up to me and said “My mom told me to ask an older lady because they are nicer.” Nicer than what? And I’m old now? Super. LOL!
We are in the prime my friend. Rev is right. And we are still being daily blessed by our Father 🙂
Thanks for the smile today!
Ceil
After I commented on three or so posts near me in Kelli’s linkup, I looked up and saw the word “Amtrak.” A lover of riding the rails I couldn’t resist reading your post. How lovely that God planted an angel to watch over you that morning. And I’m sure he has wings!
My trips on Amtrak have been 48+hours each way from Portland, OR to Chicago. Along the way, my husband and I have met many angels over a meal, a child seated across the aisle, young Mennonite women traveling together and studying God’s Word, and more. Thanks for bringing back the memories of the angels we’ve met along the way riding the rails.
Hi Sherrey! I sure am glad that I chose that title then! I’m happy that you agree that there was an angel involved here. No kidding, I would have been a disaster without him.
Your trips sound so fun! There were some Amish people on the train, a family I think. I have seen several families like that in my train travels. You brought back that memory for me too. Thanks!
Hope I see you again sometime 🙂
Ceil
I have traveled alone several times and I could really relate to your story. I have to admit, I giggled a bit with the picture of your glasses all over your face. Then the emotions of “Oh my gosh, I’ve been there,” took over! I hope your trip was enjoyable. Thank God for those who take the time to care.
Hi Lori! How nice to see you again!
I guess I was a silly sight…maybe that’s why no one got up to help me but this angel. I was kind of surprised at the lack of concern, but maybe it was funny to them?
I did have a good trip after that incident. And now that we know where the station is, I don’t get confused and sweaty anymore 🙂
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Met a few angels myself through the years. They live in third world countries too. There was one in the open market in Papua New Guinea where I shop every week. She was always looking out for me because the local young men would get real close to a woman and snatch her purse or her money out of her hand. I bought my veggies from her little spot in the market every week. Good post. Makes me want to be someone angel.
Hi Betty! What a beautiful angel you had. I agree that they are all around the world, and living in our own families too. Just a small effort can be so appreciated.
I am so glad that you were never robbed or hurt. God was truly watching out for you.
Nice to see you here!
Ceil
God sent this fellow just at the right time. I love stories like this one. So glad you weren’t hurt, my blogging friend. And, HOPE you enjoy(ed) your visit with your friend!
Hi Deb! He sure did. For me, it was a life-saver. Thank you for your kind comments. I’m glad I didn’t get hurt too!
We did have a good visit. My friend was recovering from surgery, so I don’t think it was so fun for her…
Thank you for your visit, and have a restful night,
Ceil
Our Lord does seem to send Angels at the perfect time, doesn’t he? Glad you are okay?
Hi Kim! Oh yes, I’m fine. My glasses didn’t even break, which was a miracle too. I had just gotten them, and they were plastic frames. Thank goodness they didn’t crack!
God’s timing is amazing, and I have to thank that man who saw me and jumped up to help.
Blessings!
Ceil
Visiting from Kelli’s place. What a lovely reminder that small acts of kindness mean so much. I can usually hoist my bag into the overhead bin on an airplane, but I’ve watched my tall husband help many women that just can’t get it up there….or even a flight attendant that isn’t quite tall enough. You can always see the appreciation in their eyes. And I love that you recognize that not breaking your glasses was a another miracle! Hope your visit w/your friend was wonderful.
Hi Mary! Thank you for wandering over (and using the link that actually worked!). God bless your husband for his help, I can tell you it’s really appreciated.
Our visit was good, she was recovering from surgery. I went down to help her for a while. It was great to be together, even tho the reason wasn’t so fun.
Good to see you 🙂
Ceil
What a sweet story! I really love traveling on trains – it’s been a long time – but I’ve been talking to my hubby lately about a possible trip. He’s never been on a train trip! I like the slower pace, and talking to the people. It’s just an adventure in itself.
And hey – love your Amtrak angel. I’m hoping that I can wear some wings for the people that I come across, too!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! I was a little concerned about what I would do for all that time on the train, but just looking out the window was fun. All those little towns you never heard of, farms after farms… I think you’ll have a more scenic route, but it’s all fun. Tell your husband I vote he goes!
I love my angel too. What a life-saver he was. I really think I would have gotten hurt, or hurt someone else. God works in many, many ways.
Always good to see you!
Ceil
Hi Ceil
oh fun Amtrak
I love it too..have traveled several times to see my sis in Seattle
always so relaxing
glad you get to go..
the rusty garden gate..yes I love it too.its not mine..darn
hugs,Patty
Hi Patty! My Dad is going to take a train to Seattle this year. He loves train travel!
I did enjoy the ride, I thought it was going to be boring. But it was really fun just looking out the window.
Love that mattress/gate idea. Maybe you should get one?
Hugs right back,
Ceil
Ceil,
I’m so glad your angel was there and your glasses didn’t break….and you made it to the right train…no small feat 🙂 I sighed in relief for you as I read your post 🙂 Blessings and I hope you had a great visit with your friend 🙂
Hi Dolly! Boy, I’m glad my glasses didn’t break too. I really like them, and they were brand new at the time.
We did have a good visit, thank you for your kind wishes. My friend is recovering from surgery. It was great to be there to help her.
Have a restful night 🙂
Ceil
Entertaining angels unaware can happen even by way of Amtrak, eh? 😉 There is so much hope when we go through our days with eyes wide open to the possibilities – just as your words show us, Ceil. Thank you.
Hi Kelli! Boy, do I agree with you! My whole focus is to see God in the everyday events of life. Of course, some times I am more successful than others, but this man certainly did shout ‘Angel’ to me. God knew what I needed that day before I was born. Isn’t that amazing?
Thank you for your visit and your bloghop too! Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Ceil
OH, what a wonderful story! I bet he was an angel, too. So glad you were not hurt!
Hi Jeanette! Thank you, it was wonderful! I was just fine, and so were my glasses. God was helping me through this man that day for sure 🙂
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Ceil
Such a sweet story. Thankful for those angels who are willing to make a difference. I am confident that you have done many acts of kindness yourself : )
Hi Mindy! Oh I think you have too. It’s times like this on the train that convince me that we can all make a difference. And that I should never feel that anything is ‘too small’ to do. That man really helped me!
Have a restful night,
Ceil