Such a beautiful reflection… it leaves one at a loss for words.
There once was a woman, Alice, who had grown cold and distant from her husband, Edward. Their marriage, once full of promise, now felt empty and strained. One fateful evening, Alice suffered a heart attack. As her life hung in the balance, she saw an angel appear, gentle and wise. The angel spoke softly, telling Alice that after weighing her good and bad deeds, she wasnt yet ready for heaven. However, she could return to earth for a few more days and, if she wished, complete a few more good deeds. Alice accepted, and soon found herself back in their modest home in Oxford, surrounded by silence.
Edward no longer spoke to herthey hadnt exchanged kind words in months. Alice watched as he slept on the sofa, distant and wounded. She no longer cooked for him. He now ironed his own shirts for work, moving about the house like a silent ghost. Watching him prepare for another long day, Alice thought, perhaps I should make peace with Edward. He sleeps on the sofa, and I havent made him a proper meal in ages. Hes ironing his shirt maybe I can surprise him.
When Edward left for the day, Alice gathered all his clothes to wash and iron them until every crease was crisp. She set about preparing a hearty roast, filled the dining table with fresh daffodils, and even lit candlesa sight they hadnt seen in years. On the sofa, she left a note:
I think youd rest better in the bed we once shared. The bed where our children were born from love, where for so many nights we held each other, shutting out the fears of the world and finding comfort in each others presence. That love is still there, waiting for us. If you can forgive my mistakes, meet me there tonight.
Your wife
As Alice finished writing, If you can forgive all my mistakes, a storm of doubt swept over her. Am I mad? Why should I apologise? He came home each day bitter after losing his job at the mill and couldnt find new work. I had to stretch every penny and bear his temper. Hed begun drinking, would sit for hours in that old armchair, silencing the children who only wanted to play. He yelled when I told him it couldnt go on. He ruined everything and now Im the one to apologise?
Anger seized her. She shredded the letter and threw it away. Just then, she heard the angel whisper, Remember, just a few more good deeds, and youll reach heaven. Otherwise, you cannot enter.
She paused, torn. Is it worth it?
After a deep breath, Alice sat down and began anew, writing with greater warmth:
I didnt understand back then. I never saw your fear when you lost your job after all those years. That must have been terrifying for you. I remember your hopes for our retirementtravelling, gardening, reading together. Instead, I made you drive a taxi you never wanted. I remember the night I destroyed your love letters and burned your paintings. It hurt me to see you locked away in your studio, spending what little money we had on paints or writing poems for me. I should have helped you sell your paintingsthey were truly beautiful. I was afraid too. I only ever felt safe when you worked at the mill. I never saw your pain.
Please, forgive me, my dearest. I promise, from today, everything will change. I love you.
Your Alice
That evening, when Edward returned from work, he sensed the difference as soon as he stepped inside. The aroma of roast lamb drifted from the kitchen, candles flickered on the table, his favourite records played softly, and that note waited for him on the sofa.
When Alice entered with supper, she saw Edward on the sofa, tears streaming down his face. She set the plate down and wrapped him in her arms. They didnt need words; their tears spoke for them. He lifted her up, carrying her to their bed, and they made love with the same tenderness and passion as on their first night together.
Later, they shared dinner, laughter filling the air as they reminisced about their childrens mischievous escapades. Love, once dormant, felt alive again.
Afterwards, while Alice washed up, she glanced outside. In the quiet garden beneath the moonlight, the angel stood watching amongst the rose bushes. Alice ran out, her cheeks wet with emotion.
Please, angel, let me stay a while longer. I want to help him paint again. I want to fix what I broke. I promise hell be happy soon. Then Ill go with you.
The angel replied, Theres no need to take you anywhere. Youre already in heaven. Youve earned it. Just remember the hell you once livedand that heaven is often much closer than we ever think.
At that moment, Edwards voice floated from the house. Love, its chilly tonight. Come to bed. Tomorrows a new day.
She smiled, her heart light. Yes thank God, tomorrow is a new day.
Pause and reflect:
You, who complain about what you lackhave you considered what you give?
You, who sufferdo you think of the pain you may deal out?
You, who accuse others of ignorancehave you examined your own?
You, who condemn mistakesdo you see your own?
You, who call yourself a true friendare you honest with yourself?
You, who bemoan scarcitydo you realise how much you already have?
You, who criticise the worldwhat have you done to make it better?
You, who dream of heavenhow have you tried to reduce the hell around you?
You, who claim humilityare you truly modest in spirit?
You, who condemn evildo you actively spread kindness?
You, who complain about indifferencedo you show love in return?
You, who fear povertyare you grateful for what you have?
You, wounded by thornsdo you ever plant roses?
You, who dread darknessdo you light a candle?
You, who focus on yourselfdo you care for others?
You, who feel smalldo you try to grow?
You, who fear lonelinessdo you offer your presence to someone?
You, who fear illnessdo you look after your health?
You, who crave peacedo you strive to ease conflict?
