Hearing the Music

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Clean Water

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We were under a “Boil Water Advisory” for several days this past week. A water main break caused concern for water safety in parts of Northeast Grand Rapids. 

Perhaps it was because I was helping my daughter with her 2 year-old and 6 month-old sons that it felt extra stressful. After every diaper change—wash your hands; every snack, meal, messy play—wash his hands. And then all the usual things that take water: dishes, food prep, teeth brushing. 

My daughter and I are both nurses so we have overactive imaginations when seeing water with potential E. coli gushing out of the faucets. Multiple times we boiled stock pots full of water, not just for the required one minute rolling boil but five minutes for good measure.

On the fourth day, I went to Bible study and we talked about hospitality. It could be something as simple as meeting a friend in the park to talk and share a snack. This idea was shared at the Soup’s On evening as well.

On the way home I stopped at Huff Park to pick up a free case of bottled water provided by SpartanNash. City workers, firefighters and police officers were all lined up to fill the cars rolling through the line. A Salvation Army food truck was providing food for the workers as well as warm drinks. (It was 27 degrees out with flurries!) They were offering a cup of warm water (coffee, tea) in Jesus’ name.

“Thank you! Thank you! Stay warm! God bless you!” Why did I feel tears and emotion? I know there are multitudes in this world who don’t have access to healthy water. For forty-five years I was the one giving the cup of water to the thirsty.

Seeing the workers and the organizations behind this gift and their hospitality, I felt seen. I was humbled and grateful. They gave me hope.

Soon the Public Safety Alert sounded on my phone. All clear! The advisory was lifted. I was at my daughter’s. We celebrated with a glass of water straight from the faucet.

Photo by manu schwendener on Unsplash

Posted by Nellie deVries

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