The Night Watch The bedroom in the upper level apartment of the two-story apartment building was dark

except for one shaft of moonlight that shone in from the window where the curtains were still halfway open. In the bed a young woman lay on her side under the covers. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was quiet. Above her a ceiling fan turned slowly. I think shes asleep, said one of the angels. He was sitting on a chair near the bed watching the young woman closely. Just wait, said the other angel. I doubt if shes asleep already. He was standing up near the window looking at the moon. The first angel listened and watched the young woman carefully for a few moments. I think her breathing has slowed down, he said. Im pretty sure shes asleep. Feivel, said the second angel, were starting to do this every night. You need to be patient. She lays awake for at least an hour every night. But, Hannah, thats exactly my point. I think shes exhausted. She is tired, Im sure. But shes also emotionally troubled. And thats not going to help her sleep. Feivel sighed and stood up from the chair. He began to pace to the opposite side of the room. Hannah turned away from the moonlight to face his partner. Feivel, I know this is a hard case. Its been very frustrating. Hannah thought for a moment, watching Feivel turn and pace back toward the bed. Look, if you want to stand down, go ahead. Ill keep watch here. No. Thanks for offering, but no. Im sure shes almost asleep. Go ahead. Ive got it. No. Why not? Feivel turned to face Hannah. Because of what happened the last time one of us stood down. Remember? One of us had stepped away to regroup and the other, thinking she was asleep, went to run an errand. He looked at the young woman in the bed. And she, who was not asleep, decided to get up and go downtown and get tangled up in a hideous mess. Feivel looked back at Hannah. Of course, you would never go on an errand, no matter how good the intention. Feivel, forget about that. Overall, weve done a good job in a hard situation. Just then the young woman rolled over on her back. Her eyes were wide open and became fixed on the ceiling fan. Feivel looked over at her, and then pointing to her, looked back up at Hannah. Well, you were right again, he said. Hannah walked over to his partner and patted him on the back. I know youve got a good heart, Feivel. Youre frustrated because you care. Feivel nodded. We see her day-in and day-out. How could we not care? He looked over at the young woman lying awake. I dont know how much longer I can watch her destroy herself. Hannah looked at the young woman. Shes still searching for love and acceptance. She just doesnt realize it yet.

Feivel gestured angrily over his shoulder with his thumb. Well, shes certainly not going to find it with that man that was here tonight! Nor with any of them that shes been with. All they do is tell her what she wants to hear until they get what they want. They play on her brokenness! Theyre broken, too. Yes, AND sold out to the flesh! This one tonight is just racking up a score. Feivel shook his head and continued his pacing. Ill tell you, I dont like him. Hes a monster in the making. Hes not as bad as the one who was on the phone. Feivel turned around suddenly. Oh, my word! That one makes me want to go run another errand! Now Hannah held up a hand to quiet his partner. He IS a full-blown monster! Feivel anxiously walked over to the bed and looked at the young woman. I shudder to think of what mightve happened if he would have come over. Those two together He shook his head as his words trailed off. They wouldve destroyed her, said Hannah. They both watched the young woman quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. The young womans face held no expression, but only stared unblinking at the ceiling fan. That was pretty quick thinking about muffling that cell phone, said Feivel. Hannah shrugged. I had to do something. We knew it was the monster. If the man here tonight had answered it, he wouldve invited him over. He looked at Feivel and smiled. It seemed only natural to sit on it until it stopped ringing. Feivel smiled and nodded. He studied the young womans face for a few moments. I wish I could tell her just once, Caroline, we can protect you from outside dangers, but we cannot protect you from your own choices! Hannah walked over to the other side of the bed. I would like to tell her that shes trying to fill a place in her heart that only God can fill. He patted her head softly and she blinked once. He looked up at Feivel. Well, at least shes not doing the drugs as much any more. Yes, said Feivel. She slept more then, but I would rather have her awake like this without the drugs. That was hard. Hannah nodded in agreement. They both watched her for a few minutes more, then Feivel walked over to the window. Hannah sat down in the chair. Im sure it wont be long now. Feivel nodded absently as he looked up at the moon. The pale light illuminated his face and shoulders and part of his great wings. It sure is a pretty night. Yes, it is, answered Hannah. I love the moon. Yes, its pretty. It really is. Feivel studied the detailed surface of the moon. His gaze fell on the crater Copernicus and he let his eye wander the terraced edges of the crater. Its too bad more people dont realize what a gift it was for them. And a tricky piece of creation. Feivel nodded. Ill be glad to be able to travel again when this earth-peopleredemption age is over. There are some fabulous things to see out there.

Maybe we can take Caroline around to see them. Feivel smiled in the moonlight. Id really like that. He stepped away from the window and walked over to the bed, leaning over the young woman again. Do you hear that? We need you to get yourself back with the Lord. We want to show you the wonders of the universe. Wonders of the universe? asked Jesus, stepping into the room. Hannah stood up from the chair. My Lord! Good evening, My Lord, said Feivel. Good evening, said Jesus. He stepped over to the bed. How is my Shining Star doing? Shes still having trouble sleeping, sir, answered Hannah. Jesus nodded. He put his hand on her head and softly stroked her hair. My beautiful girl, when will you let me love you? When will you let me fill your heart with peace and joy? He paused a moment, still stroking her hair. I love you so much, my Caroline. Feivel put his hand on Jesus shoulder. My Lord, I dont know how you do it. I dont know how you can stand to watch so many in this state. Just watching over one nearly kills us. Jesus nodded, then smiled. Well, some are coming. Im happy for that. Very happy. The angels smiled also. Hannah nodded. Yes. Thank you, Lord, for that. Jesus straightened up from the bed. By the way, there is another opportunity coming up for her. Were coordinating it now. In two weeks there will be a concert in town at a local church. Carolines friend, an active disciple, will invite Caroline to this concert. The music will be moving and there will be a powerful message. There will also be an invitation. Jesus leaned over once again and took Carolines hand. Im hoping she will allow me back into her life. She was fifteen when she first accepted you, right, my Lord? Yes. Jesus nodded. A warm smile spread across his face. That was my happiest moment with her. It has been hard watching her ever since, said Feivel. Jesus squeezed her hand. Shes my Shining Star. He looked at her face for a few moments, and then he sighed and stepped back from the bed. I want to thank the both of you for watching over her like you do, he said, glancing alternately at each angel as he spoke. I know its been very hard. Your diligence in her protection has made all the difference in how she will turn out. Its made as much difference as the diligence of the one holding her up in prayer. Jesus looked down at her, smiling gently. As he spoke next, the emotion in his voice nearly choked off his words. And when she finally comes around, you will be able to witness such love and grace and beauty in her that it will all be worth it. We believe that, too, My Lord, said Hannah. It will be a lot easier to watch over her then, too, said Jesus. We wont be reassigned, will we? asked Feivel. Jesus looked at the angel and laughed. No. Not for a long while, anyway. Im sure you two could use a break. Both angels nodded and smiled their understanding.

Just then Carolines face clouded over with sadness and tears began to form in her eyes. Oh, God she said, trying to hold back a sob. Jesus immediately went to the bed and dropped to one knee. He leaned close to her and said, Yes, Caroline. Im here. He reached out and softly patted her head as he waited for anything further from the anguished young women, but she said no more. She seemed as if she were going to cry, but held it back. She held her breath for several seconds until the sobbing subsided. Jesus lowered his head in sorrow for missing a chance to talk to his wayward daughter. After a few moments he raised his head to look at her. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, and then he stood up. Thank you, both, again for your devotion to her, said Jesus, looking down at her. She continued her emotionless staring at the ceiling fan. Take heart. I believe she will come back to us soon. Then youll see. He patted her head gently again. Then youll see my beautiful daughter in all her glory. Hannah patted Jesus on the shoulder and noticed a tear forming in the Saviors eye. My beautiful, precious girl, said Jesus. Then he spoke to the angels as he looked at her. They werent made for this fallen world, you know. They were made for Eden. We know, my Lord, said Feivel. Please take care of her. We will, my Lord, said Hannah. Yes, said Feivel, for as long as needed. Thank you, said Jesus. Then the Son of God lowered his head and turned and left the room. James Howard http://apenforhisglory.com/ http://www.amazon.com/Glimpses-Friend-King-James-Howard/dp/1594572763