A beautiful reflection words almost fail
There was once a woman from London whose marriage had fallen on hard times. Her relationship with her husband, Thomas Bennett, had grown so strained that they barely exchanged a word. One day, she suffered a heart attack. Lying on the brink between life and death, she was visited by an angel, who told her that after weighing her deeds, she could not yet enter heaven. However, the angel offered her a chance to return to earth for a few days to make amends and do the good she was missing. She accepted and found herself back at home with Thomas.
He barely acknowledged her presencetheyd been at odds for what felt like ages. She thought to herself, I really should try to mend this rift. Hes been camped out on the sofa for months, Ive stopped cooking for him, and there he is, ironing a shirt for work Ill surprise him.
When Thomas left for work, she gathered all his clothes to wash and iron. She cooked his favourite stew, set flowers and candles on the table, and left a note on the sofa:
I think youd be more comfortable sleeping in the bed we once sharedthe bed where, out of love, our children came into this world. The bed where we held each other at night, found comfort and warmth, and felt close even when frightened. That love is still there, waiting for us. If you can forgive my mistakesmeet me there.
Your wife,
Elizabeth
But as Elizabeth wrote the final sentence, If you can forgive my mistakes, she paused in doubt. Was she really the one who should apologise? It was Thomas who had come home angry after losing his job at the factory, taking his frustrations out on the family. Shed had to manage their savings and bear his bad moods. He took to drinking, sat brooding for hours, demanded silence when the children wanted to play, and shouted when she suggested things needed to change. He broke everythingand yet, was she the one to say sorry?
In her anger, she tore up the letter. Then, she heard the angels voice once more:
Remember, you need only a few more good deeds to earn your place in heaven. Otherwise, youll never pass through those gates.
She paused.
Is it worth it? she wondered.
Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth wrote the letter again, this time pouring in more warmth:
I didnt understand thenI never saw your fear when you lost your job after so many years of security. You must have been terrified. I remember the dreams you had for our retirement, dreams I could have helped come true instead of pushing you into driving a cab you so disliked.
I remember the night I destroyed your love letters and burnt your paintings. I was cross at you for shutting yourself away, for spending money on canvas and paint, or for writing poetry to me. I shouldve helped you sell those paintingsthe truth is, they were wonderful. I, too, was afraid. I only ever felt safe when you worked at the factory; I failed to see your pain.
Please, forgive me, my love. I promise, from this day, things will change. I love you.
Your Elizabeth
When Thomas returned from work that evening, he immediately noticed a difference. The aroma of a hot meal filled the house, candles flickered on the table, his favourite music played, and a letter waited on the sofa.
As Elizabeth brought in a steaming dish from the kitchen, she saw him weeping as if he were a child. She set down the food and wrapped him in a hug. No words were necessarythey wept together. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to bed. Their love was as fierce and new as it had been on their first night together.
Later, they shared dinner and laughter, reliving the funny tales from their childrens youth. After Thomas went upstairs, Elizabeth tidied the kitchen. Glancing out the window to the garden, she saw the angel among the roses and ran out, tears on her cheeks:
Please, angel, let me stay a little longer. I want to help him paint again, to rebuild what I destroyed. I promise, soon he shall be happy. Then you can take me.
The angel replied, smiling gently:
Ive no need to take you anywhere. Youre already in heaven. Youve earned it. Just remember the hell you once lived inand that heaven is often closer than you think.
At that moment, she heard Thomas call from the house:
Darling, its chillycome to bed. Tomorrow is a new day.
Elizabeth smiled to herself.
Yes, she thought, thank goodness tomorrow brings a new beginning.
*For reflection:*
You, who complain about what you lackhave you considered how much you give?
You, who sufferhave you thought about the pain you cause others?
You, who accuse others of ignorancehave you judged your own understanding?
You, who condemn mistakesdo you see your own?
You, who say youre a true friendare you honest with yourself?
You, who lament what you dont havedo you realise how much is already yours?
You, who criticise the worldhave you done anything to make it better?
You, who dream of heavenhow often do you try to ease the hell around you?
You, who claim humilityare you truly modest?
You, who denounce evildo you spread goodness?
You, who grumble about indifferencedo you show others love?
You, who fear povertydo you make wise use of whats yours?
You, who are hurt by thornsdo you plant roses?
You, who fear the darknessdo you kindle a light?
You, who focus only on yourselfdo you care for those around you?
You, who feel smalldo you strive to grow?
You, who dread lonelinessdo you offer your presence to others?
You, who fear illnessdo you look after your health?
You, who long for harmonydo you try to resolve conflict?
Happiness and peace often begin with our own actions and forgiveness. Sometimes, the heaven we seek is found in the love and kindness we give at home.
