In the days before we all had mobile phones and satnavs, I drove north along the M40, heading home to Warwick, having visited my elderly father near Sevenoaks in Kent.
Dusk had fallen. I looked at my petrol gauge; the marker hovered on red.
I had no hope of reaching the next services before running out of petrol. I visualised an overnight vigil on the hard shoulder.
In a panic I turned off the M40 just before Oxford. I reached a hotel, pulled into the car park and went into reception to ask for directions to the nearest filling station. Memorising the instructions, I headed away again, praying I’d arrive before it was too late.
On a dark road I realised I was lost; and then the petrol ran out. I now know what it feels like for your car to quietly die on you, and whisper to a halt.
I sat there in the silence for minutes I feared would turn into hours, my mind numb, but dimly realising the futility of getting out and walking off in the dark to find a non-existent filling station. I had turned off my lights. I was afraid to attract attention.
Headlights swam into my vision; a car approached and stopped. I feared the worst.
A young couple emerged from the car. No threat, no judgement, just sympathy. They listened to my story, gave me a lift to the nearest filling station to buy petrol, returned me to my car, so I could replenish the tank, then waited to see me safely off on my journey. I must have thanked them several times over.
Throughout the whole incident they were gentle, gracious, wholly accepting and totally non-judgemental. No “shame you didn’t check your gauge before getting onto the motorway” or “bet you won’t let yourself run out of petrol again after this.”
As I drove away, I noticed their car was a Mercedes Benz.
Ever since then, whenever I remember that young couple who helped me, I think of them as angels.
What do you think? Angels? Or “just” nice people? (And should there be a “just” in there?)
And by the way, I have also never run out of petrol again.
I’ve written about angels and supernatural experiences before on this blog. Check out these posts:
Part 1 of this Angel Encounters series
Angels and Supernatural Experiences
and
The Brightest Heaven of Invention
Also you may like to visit some of the following bloggers to learn more of what different people believe about modern angel encounters: http://www.thepsychicwell.com/spirituality/connecting-with-angels-spirit-guides/modern-day-angels-and-miracles/
https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/7-modern-miracles-that-science-cant-explain.aspx
Next time I’ll consider some angel encounters which do come from within an established faith tradition – and ask what light they may shed on some modern angel encounters.
What do you think?
Do you believe in angels?
Have you an experience to share? Please share in the comments below.
scskillman.com 
Thank you, Sheila! I think that is exactly right.
Thank you Sheila. I think you are right. God uses people all the time and especially through grace, kindness and gentleness.
Great story, Sheila. Whoever they were they were sent by God in your hour of need and that’s what matters.