Genesis

It was difficult, being a Deity. Anyone who said different hadn't actually been One. Things went wrong, You got the blame. Things went right, no one gave You the credit. Yes, being a god was a thankless job at best, and a big holy pain in the sacred ass at worst. He made a mental note to confer with other gods about how they dealt with those issues, as soon as He dealt with an issue of His own.

Carefully, He shielded His thoughts from the Heavenly Host to hide His divine plans. Contrary to what most of His believers thought, angels didn't champ at the bit to serve humanity. They could be quite disagreeable, in fact, when faced with an earthly mission. This time would be no different.

Turning to His left where Michael stood, always at the ready, He said, "Summon the Host." Michael gave a brief nod, then gave a shout that reverberated throughout the Holy City. Innumerable angels assembled in an instant before the Throne. Michael could have sworn he heard his Father sigh.

"I need a volunteer" the Almighty said. This request was met by the sound of rustling wings--the angelic equivalent of shuffling feet. Some coughed. Others looked around at their brothers and sisters. Still others looked upward. Some of the Choir Celestial had even tried to break into a rousing chorus of "Holy, Holy, Holy"s before they were silenced by a look from Dad.

God looked at the assembly. "Really?" He asked. "You don't even know what I want! What if it's a special assignment, like throwing Lucifer out or announcing the birth of My Son?" He looked at them again, saddened. "No one?"

Silence.

This time Michael knew he heard a sigh. He would have volunteered himself, but he had his orders. He was to remain in Heaven until the End of Days. He didn't know why, and he didn't question. He just obeyed. Unlike the group before him. He was about to request permission to send his reluctant siblings to join Lucifer, when he heard a stirring in the ranks.

"Oh for Pete's sake!" an irritated female voice spoke up. The angel was working her way through the crowd, pushing and shoving and even ruffling a few feathers in her wake. Making her way to the Throne, she knelt down before her Maker, looked up and said "I'll do it." Then she turned to the group behind her and gave them such a withering look that they all took a step back.

"Floriel." There was a smile in God's voice when He spoke her name. She was as far from his typical creation as the heavenly was from the infernal. She had hair a shade of red that the Father was certain He hadn't created. And then there were those pink wings. Pink! Yet here she knelt, taking on an assignment that no one else would take. God made another mental note to make her an archangel when this mission was finished.

"Floriel" He repeated, "I have seen the sadness of My children on Earth, and it has touched My heart. I want to create a special respite for them in their dreams. A place where they can leave their worldly cares and troubles behind and find happiness before they return Home to Us. I want you to be in charge of this earthly Heaven. You may design it in any and every way you wish." God leaned forward, His tone hopeful. "Will you do this for Me?"

"Of course I will, sugar" she replied. This term of endearment toward the Ancient of Days drew a startled gasp from her brothers and sisters, which Floriel and the Almighty pointedly ignored. "And if it isn't too much to ask, could Melioth come with me? I'd sure like some company."

God sat back. "Does Melioth agree?"

"He does." Melioth came forward and knelt beside Floriel. God had often chosen him to run errands and deliver messages. He was faithful, efficient, and knew over ten thousand different ways to prepare manna. God would miss that---

"Then rise, beloved. Go forth and serve My children with My deepest thanks and My blessings." God placed His hands on Floriel and Melioth's heads in silent benediction, and then they were gone.

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Flo wiped down a table, humming to herself. A warm arm went around her shoulders and she looked up. Mel was smiling at her.

"Ever regret it?" she asked. Mel chuckled and shook his head.

"Never a day" he replied.

"Well" Flo said, "there's about fifteen minutes before the next group gets here. How 'bout you make us a couple of grilled manna sandwiches and some chili cheese fries?"

Mel kissed her forehead. "That sounds heavenly, baby." They laughed at the lame joke and walked into the kitchen, arms around each other, confident in their jobs well done.

And far above them, their Father smiled, too.

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Believe in what your heart is saying

Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste

There's so much to celebrate

Believe in what you feel inside

And give your dreams the wings to fly

You have everything you need

If you just believe.

Josh Groban--"Believe"