31 Flavors

There was a family tradition we had after Sunday
morning church. My mother started this when I was about 6 years old and
we did it almost every Sunday. After the service we would get in the
car and head to Baskin Robbins 31 flavors and get ice cream. No big lunch, no nutritious meal first. We went straight to the ice cream. She would get her
favorite flavor Daiquiri ice and dad would usually get some kind
of cherry cordial. I of course changed my mind from week to week. It
seemed that we choose our flavors based on our moods. My mom's mood at
least on Sunday afternoons was always the same. Happy! She taught me
many things about how to be happy in adversity but one lesson that has
stuck with me most is how to enjoy every moment. She smiled through so
much pain which is another blog for another day. But she had to feel
awkward at best in every situation. She went from seeing well and doing
everything independently and in a matter of weeks could only see
shadows and needed assistance to even walk even in her own house. But in these
moments eating ice cream she seemed free. Not worried about what was
going on around her or what she could not see but, enjoying what she
could experience through the gift of taste and smell. God gives us
things in our lives that seem to be awkward to us. That appear out of
place or in our way but, maybe in reality he places them in our paths
to help us sharpen our other senses. To rely solely on Him for each
step. If we never had anything to change our daily routine we would
never see His hand in all we do. I am so proud to have learned that my
God is a God who sees all and gives us what we need and more. I want to
have His Joy on the journey. I want to experience all He has to give me
in 31 flavors and more. And if you see me in the month of May celebrating mom with my annual scoop of Daiquiri ice come join me and we can enjoy this journey together.