Houses, Bubbles and...

   Al and I were treated by a visit from our friend, Kim Hawes on Thursday morning. The word ‘treated’ really fits the occasion, because Kim always seems to bring a bright beam of sunshine wherever she goes.

   Our daughter introduced us to this special lady when we were house hunting for a place to live that would be close to the family. Shanda recommended Kim to us, as she was the Realtor who had helped Shanda find her home several years ago. Kim showed us several houses while we were staying with Shanda’s family and also spent a lot of time communicating via email after we had returned to California.

   After we accepted an offer on our house in Springville, Kim kept telling us not to panic. 

   “Something will come up. I just know it,” she said, adding that she would be praying!

   Finally a house did come along that met with everyone’s approval and we all breathed a great sigh of relief. Although it was difficult making the decision without actually having seen the property ourselves, the Lord’s hand was evident in guiding us.

   So of course we thanked her on Thursday again for her help and also for encouraging us after the move. “It’s all about the family,” she had reminded us repeatedly. “You’re doing it for the family.” Her comfort and encouragement helped with the adjustment to a whole new environment.

   We engaged in conversation about what had been happening in our lives since the last time we talked several months ago. That led into an inspiring story from Kim in connection with volunteering at a Children’s Hospital in the Detroit area each Friday.

   While helping prepare babies and little children before surgery, Kim said that the one thing that seems to calm them down and distract them from hungry tummies and pain, is to look at bubbles as they float in the air. So she buys those plastic bottles of bubbles with wands inside, readily available at most dollar stores or supermarkets and takes them with her on Fridays.

    When one baby was distraught before leaving the hospital, Kim handed the grandfather a bottle of bubbles to take home, in case the baby started crying on the way. A week or two later, she was just beginning her shift at the hospital when she suddenly discovered that she had forgotten the bubbles. She asked some of the nurses, but was her search was unsuccessful.

   “Oh no, what am I going to do now?” She related her thoughts to us, wondering where she could get more. Who would have bubbles? Just as she was returning to her station after helping one family, she met some people in the hallway. They turned out to be the same grandfather and mother with the distraught baby whom Kim had helped before. Recognizing Kim, they told her that the baby was doing fine. That was good news!

   “But, you know,” said Kim, “I don’t have any bubbles today! What am I going to do?”

The grandpa reached down into his pocket and handed over a small plastic bottle! She was astounded...bubbles! Kim told us she was filled with joy at the realization that God knew what she needed to help the children and had provided it in a very unique way.

   “What were the chances of my meeting those same people again? If I hadn’t walked down that particular hallway...You know there just aren’t any coincidences in life.” Then she went on to define a coincidence as a happening “when God chooses to remain anonymous!”

   Kim shared that her two grown kids are very familiar with that story. Now whenever one of them calls her on the phone with a worry or a problem, all she has to say is “Bubbles!”

   “I know mom, I know,” is always the response.

   She and I both shed a few tears and laughed too as she shared that experience with us. “Kim,” I said, “You just bubble over with joy!” Bubbles, houses, or whatever it is, how wonderful that God knows our every need and that He, Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, loves to take care of us. All we have to do is trust Him!

“Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV