The Elevator

God’s abundant grace is something I am so thankful for every day, not just for myself but for every member of my family. How comforting to know that even when we might not be paying attention, He is still watching over us, taking action to preserve our way.

My son and his family moved to Oahu, Hawaii, United States of America, a few years ago. Their youngest was just eighteen months old at the time.

They found initial rental accommodation in a high-rise apartment building in the town of Kailua, close to Castle Medical Center (now Adventist Health Castle), where my son was employed at the time. They lived close to a beautiful beach, which was less than a twenty-minute walk away, so they visited there often. One day, as they headed home carrying beach toys and towels, their now rather independent three-year-old walked beside them.

As they crossed a busy street to access the parking garage of their building, his little hand was held tightly by his dad. All safely in, they pushed the button for the eighth floor.

They exited the elevator, just a few doors from their unit, and suddenly, they realized their son was not with them—and the elevator doors had already shut as it began its descent. My son quickly raced for the stairs, knowing the door to the street stayed open during the day; my daughter-in-law stood by the elevator.

She noticed it making a slow ascent stopping floor by floor.

As the doors opened on the eighth floor, there stood their young man and a very pleasant lady, holding tightly to his hand. She had been walking behind them as they had crossed the street and entered the parking garage.

As the elevator door opened for her on the ground level, a very surprised little boy looked up, clutching a cracker that seemed to have been the distraction that caused him to miss his exit. She quickly took his hand, stepped in, and closed the doors.

How thankful we all were that God’s care had perfectly placed her to help a little three-year-old. As I look back over my own life, I see many times when God preserved my going out and my coming in—even though I did not realize it at the time.

First Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (NKJV).

Beverly D. Hazzard