Unsure of what to expect Ronald trekked the streets in Harrisburg, Illinois. God warned him that George Billington was a stubborn man and the mission he was about to embark on would be difficult. Nevertheless, God also told him that in order to earn his wings, he must complete the assignment.
As Ronald walked down the sidewalk, he noticed a man sitting on a bench near a liquor store. It looked as if the man had washed his hair in vegetable oil, but that wasn't the half of it. He also looked like he hadn't shaved in months, and his clothes were dirty and worn-out. Ronald couldn't help but wonder if the man was homeless… or just very poor. Then as Ronald approached the scruffy looking character, he knew that had to be his assignment, because the man reeked of alcohol.
"Are you George Billington," Ronald asked, taking a seat beside the man.
"Yes, sir, I am. Why are you asking?
"You're my assignment. In other words, I've been sent to help you."
"Are you crazy or something?"
Before Ronald could respond, George got up and headed toward the liquor store. As he reached for the door, Ronald grabbed him by the arm.
"I'm not crazy, and you getting ready to walk into that liquor store is the reason I was sent here to help you. Please, George, let us sit down and talk."
"Whoa, how the heck do you know my name? Who sent you and why? And another thing, I live my own life as I live it, and I don't need anyone butting in!"
"I understand that, and I'll explain. My name is Ronald. God sent me. I'm an angel, and in order to earn my wings and make it into heaven, I must help you."
"If that's true, what did you do wrong? Why can't you get into heaven right away?"
"In order to make a long story short, I will just say that I was once like you."
"Well, I don't need your help or God's. I'm just fine, and I only do this stuff on occasion. Besides that, I don't even believe you're an angel sent from God. There's no such thing as angels," George snickered.
"You can believe the way you'd like, but I am an angel. God does care for you, and although you may not want to admit it, you do have a serious problem," Ronald replied with concern.
"Okay then, if you're an angel, prove it! Don't angels have special powers that we humans don't have?"
"Yes, angels have powers, but since I've not yet earned my wings, I don't have all those great powers that the others do."
"If that ain't the lamest excuse I've ever heard," George replied as he turned away and shook his head. He laughed so hard that his sides ached, and it seemed like it took him forever to make his way back to the liquor store.
Finally, Ronald was a few steps from the door, but his laughter quickly turned to silence when Ronald appeared in front of him.
"Alright Mr. Wiseguy, I thought you didn't have any special powers."
"No, what I told you was I don't have the greater powers, but I do have a few of the smaller powers to aid me on my assignment if I need them. And another thing, you don't need to go in there, because it looks and smells like you've already had enough."
"Listen here Mr. Angel… Ronald… or whoever or whatever you are, you're not my boss and you're definitely not going to run my life, so move out of my way!" George said, shoving Ronald aside.
"I won't do it. You've had too much to drink already. Take me to your car and I'll drive you home so you can sleep this off."
George hesitated for a moment, but then staggered to his car. Ronald opened the passenger side door for him. George plopped down in the seat and sighed. On occasion George spoke, but only to give Ronald directions to his house. When George didn't shout out directions, he just stared out the window.
Ronald pulled in the driveway and looked over at George. He noticed that George looked a bit paler than he had when they left the liquor store.
"George, are you okay?"
"I'm not sure. I think I just need a little rest."
"I believe you need more than a little. Let me help you in," Ronald offered.
"No, thanks. You go on to wherever. I'll be fine," George replied, pushing Ronald away.
George stomped toward the house but stumbled over his own feet and fell to the ground. Even though George kept refusing, Ronald rushed over to help him to his feet. Once George was standing again, Ronald led him into the house and helped him into bed. By that time George was so tired that he fell fast asleep with no further arguments.
* * * * * *
"You're doing well, my son. Keep up the good work and don't give up," God told Ronald.
"I'll try my best, but I'm about to throw in the towel."
"How come?"
"Because he's a very stubborn man, and he refuses to believe I'm an angel sent by you."
"I sent you on this assignment to help George. Take his stubborn streak away. Go make him into the kind man that he used to be. I know it's going to be hard, but you can't quit."
"I'll do my best father, and while I'm on Earth, I'll pray for your guidance."
"I'll guide you well, my son, and don't forget what these addictions did to you. You don't want George to end up in the same situation."
"No, I don't, so I'll continue on and do your work with care."