ice cream Archives - Dennis Conrad Author

The Great Ice Cream Reunion in San Diego, California

Where were you sixteen years ago?

That is how many years had passed since one man and his three sisters were all together in the same place.

I was privileged to attend the august occasion being the husband of one of the sisters.

The blissful reunion was a sight to behold. After picking up one sister in San Diego, the family made their way to Balboa Park. Although it was raining early in the day, it turned into an enjoyable time for a stroll down memory lane. The siblings were raised in Escondido and had fond memories of the area.

Most importantly, the loved ones enjoyed spending time together and making new memories. Two stopped at a hot dog stand. Then there were interactions with a wide variety of vendors.

After a leisurely meal at Balboa Park’s Prado Restaurant, the siblings walked to the Organ Pavilion.

It was getting near dusk, but then a glorious rainbow appeared.

As it got dark, the unanimous decision was to go to the North Hills Baskin Robins for an ice cream celebration.

Can you taste the ice cream?

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

Ever say goodbye to a friend knowing you may never see them again?

That is what happened again and again when my wife, Diane, and I served as summertime teachers overseas. Those we taught included university professors in one country and university students in another. We shared meals, played games, and enjoyed picnics. That, coupled with walks in the park and stops at ice cream venders, bonded us for life.

There were instances in which we reconnected with friends when we happened to return in subsequent years. These encounters provided great reunions and reinforced our love for each other.

We exchanged email addresses with only a few people. We did this to cut down on contacts because we never knew from one year to the next if we would return.

My wife got to know one student very well, and they exchanged email addresses. At the end of one three-line email, the student added a Bible verse without text: Philippians 1:3. In the New International Version, it reads:

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Although we may never see this person again, we know their faith is strong. Amen!

We have been blessed to have entertained former students in our home, where we played board games, enjoyed meals, and ate ice cream.

Scrapbooks filled with pictures remind us of the people we have met along life’s journey. When we look at the pictures, we thank God for his provision, and pray for our friends.

Is there someone you have been meaning to call? Do it. Take action to let them know you are thinking of them.

Join me as we pray for wisdom every day in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.