I grew up in a family that had a soft spot in their heart for angels. We learned that before we were born, we were "baby angels." My father told us baby angels lived in heaven until they found the family they choose to be born into. He told us how happy he and my mom were that my brothers and sisters and I had chosen our family. Well, as you may guess this is unorthodox theology... and biology... but the legend made us feel loved by our parents and by God. So, all in all, I think it was a good thing. I did not pass the teaching on to my children, but I did tell them "Grandpa's Theory" of how we became a family and they kind of loved it too.

There is a story I shared this weekend with some of our parents that there is an ancient legend, that holds that when an infant is created, God kisses its soul and sings to it. As its guardian angel carries the soul to earth, to join its body, she also sings to it. The legend says God's kiss and his song, as well as the song of the angel, remain in that soul forever- to be called up and cherished. But to feel that kiss, to hear that song, requires solitude. We do not feel gentleness inside when all around us there is noise. The song of God's heartbeat is audible only in a certain quiet, stillness and solitude.

Love this story! Almost as much as the Baby Angel story! Stories like this cultivate our religious imagination and give us the images to remember the truest thing, that is, how much we are loved by God.

This is such a busy time of year as we all get back into the swing of the school schedules. In the midst of establishing these routines, I hope you find a little time of solitude and stillness to let angels visit you and remember you were kissed by God.