Children love bubbles. Some adults love bubbles too. I do not remember playing with bubbles when I was a little boy. But a few years ago, when blowing bubbles for my then little boys, it suddenly occurred to me how fascinating bubbles are. They are not only beautiful to look at but intriguing when we consider why they are what they are. How are the molecules on the wall of a bubble distributed and held together? Why are bubbles perfectly spherical? Why do they appear multicoloured?

The fact is that bubbles are really complex structures formed out of an intricate interaction between math-ematical principles, physical laws, as well as chemical properties.

When I first saw bubbles in this light, I found my heart lifted up as I marvelled at how infinitely wise and wonderful our Creator is. If even a simple bubble can astound us, how much more should we humble ourselves as we consider the greatness, wisdom and power of our Creator? The sight of bubbles, since then, has often led me to praise God in my heart.

Ironically, however, the other day, as I observe my children chasing after and catching bubbles, another thought came to my mind. It is a very different thought and a very poignant one. What came to mind were Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 1:2—"Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."

The pursuits of the world, like bubbles, are charming and attractive to the eyes. The world chases after them with great enthusiasm like children chasing after bubbles. But like bubbles, the things of the world are not permanent. Like bubbles, the things of the world vanish almost as soon as we touch them. And yet we never tire of chasing after them. We are even willing to risk falling over the precipice as we chase the bubbles.

Ah, there is a new kind of bubble solution that makes more permanent bubbles. My lambs love them. They do not pop when touched. They may fly around for many minutes. But are they not also transient?

Some of the things of the world are like that. A car can last a decade. A professional degree can be of use throughout our career life. Houses can last a lifetime. Many things today are built to last. But are they not also transient when we compare them with the permanence of the human soul. "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" says the apostle Paul (1 Tim 6:7).

The next time you see children playing bubbles, praise God for His wonderful creation. But remember also to ask yourself: "What are my priorities in life? Am I chasing bubbles?" "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mk 8:36). —JJ Lim