Free? Really?

"Free ice cream?" she asked, grinning in disbelief.

"Yes, ma'am," I answered.

"You're giving away ice cream?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Really? Where?"

Pointing to a spot where she could park along the street, I told her she'd see the ice cream truck from there. From the look on her face, I'm pretty sure she figured there was some sort of catch to it all.

But, there wasn't. I was standing at the corner of Miller and Church Streets in Fort Valley, Georgia holding a bright, neon green poster board with FREE ICE CREAM written on it. Our church, Fort Valley Methodist, had rented Mr. John Donnelly's ice cream truck for a couple of hours and we were handing out treats. Kids could also register for Vacation Bible School and folks were welcome to take information about our church, but nothing was required, or expected, to get some free ice cream. Just accept the gift.

A few minutes later, the same lady pulled up to the intersection and rolled down her window. I could see her smiling as I walked toward her.

"How much did they charge you?" I asked.

"Not a thing!" she exclaimed, beaming even bigger. "And we got information for the kids, too!" she added.

In all, we handed out 177 free ice cream treats, the vast majority to people not connected to our church. Police officers, a FedEx driver, retired folks, kids, you name it, they came. Some walked, most were in cars, and one was in a motorized wheelchair. It didn't matter what you looked like, because every last one of them looked like they could use some free ice cream!

Each of those people, whether they know it or not, got a glimpse of this amazing thing we call grace. That's God's free gift, offered to us without price, one we can't earn nor achieve, but only receive. It's the forgiveness Jesus purchased on the Cross and now extends to us just because He loves us.

What hit me, though, was how many people took a look at me holding that sign and just drove right on by. Maybe they were really busy, or perhaps they wanted to buy their own ice cream, thank you very much. It's possible they just didn't believe someone would give them ice cream for free. Whatever their reason, they skipped on the chance to receive a delicious, summertime treat at no cost.

I guess that's what keeps me going in this church business. I love seeing the smile on people's face when they receive God's amazing gift of grace and the promise of eternal life along with it. And I want all the rest to experience it as well. Because everybody could use some free ice cream. But even more, everybody needs Jesus!