Tip of My Iceberg

We needed a gift. Fast.

We’ve worked ourselves into a routine of bringing a “congratulatory” gift when one of the grands has a performance. Something appropriate to their age and particular likes.

They’ve come to expect it.

Finding out about a spring production for Kolly’s pre-school class came later than we would have liked. Neither John nor I had the chance to find something fun for her. On the way to the performance, we stopped at Walmart and found a bubble blower shaped like a character from Paw Patrol. The bonus was the flashlight, which was an added feature.

Kolly has a little sister who would have been devastated if she hadn’t received her own bubble blower. So we accommodated little sis — and added a bag of chocolate-drizzled popcorn so Kolly would feel special.

Who knew bubbles were such a treat?

The magic comes from the unexpected. You press a button, and a plethora of bubbles comes pouring out, much to the delight of the button pusher.

Most people like surprises, especially when they’re positive and carry no negative connotations. Being stunned by something fearful never bodes well. Sometimes, though, positive surprises couched with a hint of fear can be deeply rewarding; we just have to wait for the good to come from it.

Jesus was a Master at surprising people. His resurrection was shocking to many, including His disciples. His miracles stunned many, but the benefits they received from them made them grateful, not full of angst.

One particular instance happened shortly after Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount. People had gathered there to hear Him speak of His Father’s kingdom and the hope of forgiveness and grace. As He came down the mountainside, a leper approached Him.

Lepers were untouchables. They were forced into social, physical, and religious isolation because of their disease. They were made to shout “Unclean” so people would avoid them. They were separated from family, community, and even their faith. They typically had to beg just to survive.

Jesus shocked the people around Him as He touched this leper. “Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Him and knelt before Him. ‘Lord,’ the man said, ‘if You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and TOUCHED HIM. ‘I am willing,’ He said. And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:2-3. The man walked away, totally clean, fully healed. The positive impact on his life was immediate; no longer would he need to be isolated from others, but could rejoin his community.

Those watching Jesus heal this man would have been baffled. Here was this Man, claiming to be God, who could heal the sickest of the sick. He received the same response when He raised Lazarus from the dead. Incomprehensible. It was also a wonderful surprise. People would bring Him their sick and their demon-possessed, those who had no hope of recovery.

Jesus healed them.

When confronted with miracles, we can respond in one of two ways. With complete skepticism, which many today have, thinking the miracles were added after the Bible was originally written. Another response is of awe and wonder, to see the unexpected happen, and experience the results of those miracles.

Jesus confounded many. He wasn’t what the people expected, but He was more than they could ever hope for. He told them of a love, forgiveness, and grace that would guarantee them heaven. And then He proved it would happen by dying on the cross and rising from the dead.

Real life magic. Real-life miracles.

Kolly and Thea saw the magic of bubbles, and they were delighted.

When we experience the love and grace of Jesus, the delight is inexhaustible.