Where Are We?

"I'm getting mint chocolate chip!" Peyton said as he climbed into the van. "Two scoops!" Ian was right behind him. "I'm getting orange sherbet with sprinkles!" "And I," said Dad, "am getting the biggest fudge sundae you've ever seen." "Hey!" said Peyton. "You didn't get a good report card." "No, but I promised everybody ice cream after a good first half of the school year," said Dad. "And since I'm driving, that includes me. Now buckle in, we have a few stops to make first." They watched longingly out the window as Dad drove past the ice cream shop. But after the grocery store, gas station, and library, Peyton and Ian grew worried. When Dad drove by the only other ice cream shop in town, Ian frowned and crossed his arms. "He broke his promise," he whispered to Peyton. Peyton swallowed. "Um, Dad? Are you mad at us?" Dad met his eyes in the rearview mirror. "What makes you think that?" "Well, because you changed your mind about ice cream. There are no more ice cream shops." Peyton looked out his window. "Where are we, anyway?" Dad was about to respond when Ian spoke up. "Look, a big sign with a cow on it! Ice cream!" Dad pulled in and parked the car. "Best ice cream for miles. A bit of a drive, but I thought you two deserved something special." "You didn't lie to us!" said Ian. "Of course not," said Dad. "It was just taking so long," said Peyton. "And we've never been this way before." Dad smiled. "I understand. You know, God also takes us places we've never been. When it seems like it's taking a long time, it's easy to forget His promises too." "I did wonder where you were taking us," said Ian, eyeing a big jar of sprinkles behind the counter. "And we might wonder the same thing about God," said Dad. "But God never lies. He fulfilled His promise to save us by sending us His own Son, and He will always keep His promise to love and care for us, even when we struggle to trust Him." Dad led the boys up to the counter. "Now, pick what you want. I promise it'll be some of the best ice cream you've ever had!" –Kelly Carlson