The Joy of Ice Cream
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. It seems most people enjoy ice cream, especially on a hot day! I fondly remember a special trip during my childhood to a dairy bar in Port Huron, Michigan. I believe it was London’s Dairy Bar. We were able to choose a flavor. My dad always chose mint chocolate chip ice cream. Any time he bought that flavor to take home, no one else would eat it. On this trip, he insisted we each tasted his mint chocolate chip ice cream. Well, that was it! Just one taste and we were ALL hooked. ALL five children! Now his special ice cream did not last as long!
I also married a man who has a deep love of ice cream! His favorite is buttered pecan. He does not care for mint chocolate chip (More for me!). As sweet as ice cream can be, the truest joy is found in the Lord. As Psalm 34:9 reads, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the stalwart one who takes refuge in him” (usccb.org)
The Gift of Simple Joys
God designed us to enjoy the beauty and pleasure of His creation. He first gave us the Garden of Eden to enjoy. Nature is simply a gift from God. We see its beauty all around us. The vibrant colors of flowers and birds. The sweet smell of grass and the fragrant trees. The soothing sound of a rumbling brook. The musical tweets of birds early in the morning.
Food, just like the rest of nature, is a gift from God. It is a blessing for both nourishment and for joy. We can savor the unique flavors and textures as we partake in different kinds of food. Ice cream is a simple joy. A sweet treat to share and inspire a smile. Taking delight in small things, like ice cream on a hot day, can remind us of God’s goodness. “Moreover, that all can eat and drink and enjoy the good of all their toil—this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13 (usccb.org)
Fellowship and Community over a Cone
I have never seen a sad person eating ice cream. In fact, there are trucks that people chase down just so they can purchase it! Ice cream often brings people together. You can find it at family outings, on dates, at community festivals, and even church picnics. I know that at our family gatherings, when ice cream is brought out, everyone gathers around in great anticipation!
Similar to how ice cream draws people in, so does Jesus. Fellowship is central to a life of faith. It really doesn’t matter what your faith is, there is community and fellowship. Whether it be at worship, prayer, religious celebrations, ministry work or gathering with your faith community, there is fellowship
Sharing joy with others aligns with the fruit of the Spirit. You can see that in Acts 2:46, “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart.” (usccb.org) according to Galatians 5:22,, “In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,” (usccb.org) These fruits are mimicked in fellowship. People tend to exude those fruits when ice cream is involved. It seems just like ice cream can melt, it can melt a hardness in a person’s heart, even if for just a few minutes.
A Metaphor for God’s Generosity
Ice cream comes in a multitude of flavors. You can add different toppings to make the flavor more unique as well as serve it in different ways: in bowls, on different kinds of cones, with cake, as a shake and many other options. This is similar to how we see and experience God’s abundant love. His love is both diverse and uniquely designed for us. He knows what each of His children needs.
Life with Jesus offers us a richness that satisfies far more than any worldly sweetness. He provides strength and comfort when we need it. Best of all, His love is there no matter what the weather is like! You don’t even really have to ask for it. Take joy and comfort in Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us” (usccb.org)
Cultivating Gratitude and Mindful Joy
Always make time to pause and savor life. Just like we savor each bite of our favorite ice cream, we need to savor life and our relationship with Jesus. You can spend time exercising mindfulness and intentional gratitude as acts of worship. Be mindful of each day, each monet and the opportunities that are presented. Practice gratitude by turning everyday joys into moments of praise and thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 guides us, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (usccb.org)
Be grateful because “all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change,” James 1:17 (usccb.org) Take a moment and offer thanks for every gift. It can be another day, a friendly smile, a good night’s sleep or something bigger like a new grandchild or a loving embrace from someone special.
Sweet Reminders of God’s Presence
Look around you. Be intentional and take notice. God often shows up in the everyday. Most likely there will not be a big sign or flashing lights. It can be extra money just when you need it, seeing an old friend when you are feeling lonely or a sweet treat to make you smile! These small moments of joy can serve as spiritual reminders that God is near.
Always seek God’s presence in life’s “little scoops of sweetness.” When you are aware, you will notice Him more. When you are open, you can more easily see Him. Remember Zephaniah 3:17 , “The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, Who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, Who will sing joyfully because of you.” (usccb.org) Just know He is there and you will feel His almighty presence.
Celebrate Faith and Flavor
So, July being the month of ice cream reminds us to celebrate and revel in the small, joy-filled moments. It can be while enjoying ice cream or something else. Make sure to share that joy with others. Maybe you can take someone out for a scoop and share the sweetness of both ice cream and God’s love.
“God, open our hearts to enjoy ice cream this month with someone who is in need of feeling Your love. Allow us to feel, experience and share the sweetness of your love, knowing that it will never melt away. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In