The back seat windows were covered in a film of fog as the teenage daughter mindlessly scribbled a game of tic-tac-toe on the glass. Holiday music could be heard throughout the car reminding everyone it was Christmas Day, 1967.  This family of seven, ranging in age from six months to 37 years, was embarking on a journey that would change their lives forever.  They decided to do something a little different this year which is why, after opening gifts that morning, they tumbled into the car for their first Christmas dinner at a fancy restaurant thirty miles away.  Unbeknownst to them, Life would never be the same again.  Minutes before they reached their destination, they were struck head-on by a drunk driver who blew through a stop sign at high speed. Both cars slammed together creating a tailspin that released them in opposite directions.  Witnesses from a nearby motel came pouring out to the wreckage dragging the injured bodies of five crying children onto the ground where they were covered in warming blankets until help arrived.  Both parents, in critical condition, were rushed by ambulance to the local hospital in a race against time.  The unharmed middle-aged drunk driver paced back and forth muttering, “What have I done?  In God’s name, what have I done?”

Dairy Queen, also known as the DQ, is one of those Midwest favorites that carries with it childhood memories throughout Life’s journey.  It’s not only for the young, it’s for the child in all of us.  Picture this, a triple high tower of creamy vanilla soft serve puffs atop a crunchy-checkered bakery cone.  I mean, who could resist that enticing signature curlicue?  Ah yes, the “right-of-passage” that Summer is upon us—-even if it’s only a sunny day in late March with a Northern wind still nipping at your heels. It practically makes your eyes roll back as you savor each delicious nibble.  Yum!  It was here, at the local DQ, that Jesus suddenly appeared to our grandson in a lesson he would never forget.  Having received a treat from my husband (a.k.a. Grandpa), I was already sitting on a bench outside enjoying my favorite ice cream cone and basking in the afternoon sunshine.  Landen, being 7 years old with eyes as big as saucers, ordered the extra-large icy blue raspberry slushy drink…..mostly because he knew Grandpa would indulge him, too.  After all, that’s what grandparents do:  fill ’em up with sugar and then send them home, right?

Landen was so excited holding a cup he could barely wrap his hands around, waiting patiently for Grandpa to remove the protective covering from the plastic straw.  In the next moment, with the straw unwrapped, Grandpa leaned over Landen and poked the straw through the slot in the lid.  As it slid into place, the force of the action caused the gigantic cup to slip through Landen’s hands and it fell to the ground in what appeared to be slow motion.  We were all aghast as we stared at the bright blue gooey mess spreading over the concrete sidewalk!  Landen’s lower lip began to quiver when he realized what had just happened.  Moments later, before a tear was shed, the DQ server appeared with a refill, a long-handled broom and a bucket of water.  She smiled as she handed him the drink and said, “It’s okay.  Accidents happen.  All is forgiven.”  She then proceeded to sweep away the stain and wash it out of sight.  

That sequence of events gave Grandpa the opportunity to remind Landen that our God is a forgiving God.  As it is written in Acts 3:19 he explained, “So then, let your hearts be changed and be turned to God, so that your sins may be completely taken away, and times of blessing may come from The Lord.”  He went on to further explain that Jesus died on the cross to erase all our sins, even the ones we don’t mean to commit.  Something as simple as a spill on the sidewalk gave him the opportunity to share a message about Jesus Christ.  I can tell you, afterwards the sky looked a brighter blue…..you might say as bright as a blue raspberry slushy drink.

“Jesus Loves You”.  I saw my husband mouth the words without making a sound.  Before turning around in the restaurant booth to see the recipient behind me, I knew it had to be a small child.  Our commitment in spreading the love of Christ is to touch the heart of a child.  Jesus’ Little Lamb, so to speak.  It’s often done in such a hushed manner that the parents are quite oblivious to the spiritual message.  Yet, when a connection is made with the little one, we know without a doubt, it rings loud and clear.  The proof is visibly evident in their bright eyes and wide smiles. “Jesus Loves You, Jesus Loves You.”  Truer words have never been spoken.  Three soothing words that carry the message of Eternity.  Each trustful gaze is as mesmerizing as the children who gathered at the knees of our Savior in Christian artwork.  This is our reward; to see the glory of God in the face of a child, a toddler, a baby.  Perhaps we need to be reminded of that inspiring song of our youth, “Jesus Loves the Little Children”.  Can we all say “AMEN”?