Feeling like walking down memory lane…come along with me! My brother and I grew up in Franklin, Wisconsin, now a suburb of Milwaukee. Back in the day, Franklin was a small town located south of the city. We lived on a farm, and in those days we just had the one car, which dad drove 25 miles downtown to work every day. There were no small children living out by us, just my brother and I. We were pretty close, in age, at least. Just 10 months between us.
One time my brother got sick, and had to go to the hospital in Milwaukee. My mom, not having anyone who could take care of me, shipped me off to my aunt Marvel’s house on the near south side of Milwaukee. This was more than a bit upsetting to me, since I had pretty much never left my mom’s sight ever. I remember aunt Marvel taking me for a walk to the drugstore. You know, the quaint little corner buildings that were popular in the 50’s? (Not Walgreens or CSV.) We went to get an ice cream cone from the soda fountain. After much deliberation, I remember settling on what was called, “Rainbow ice cream.”
Now, just for the record, Rainbow ice cream was not some weird sort of Sherbet artificially mixed together in pretty pastel colors. No, what they actually did was take bits of leftovers from the bottom of every barrel and mix them together in a conglomerate of flavors so as not to waste anything. Well, I loved that ice cream! In fact, ever since then I have been trying to “recreate” it in one way or another.
I’ve come to realize, and even sometimes appreciate, that God made me just like Rainbow ice cream. Many times, I wish that I could be more like some of my friends. I wish that I could pick “one flavor” and do it well. But then I get bored, and start thinking of other things I might enjoy trying. So often I feel like I flit from one thing to another, not really landing anywhere for very long. (Squirrel??)
Thankfully, over the years, I’ve realized that God didn’t mess up with me. I try to embrace the person I am, rainbow flavors and all. Most of all, I’ve come to appreciate how God makes up for my weaknesses—with friends and family who think differently from me, and have other giftings that I lack. I am reminded how He uses the whole body of Christ to work together, and how much better things go when we actually do recognize our differences, appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses and allow God to shine through us.
Time to cool off! Rainbow ice cream, anyone?
Enjoy who God made you to be…you’re beautiful!
Jeanne
Beautiful Savior, Beautiful Women 
Makes me think of the five and die store near my house when I grew up. Great analogy, Jeanne. thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Kelly. I remember the 5 and dimes too!! Maybe that’ll be another blog. 🙂 Bless you!
*dime
Enjoyed the blog, the picture and like Kelly, the analogy. Wow, only 10 months apart!
Thank you my friend! Yes, people thought we were twins. Haha! We do so many things alike, even though we’ve lived 500 miles apart (or more) for the past 35 years! Bless you! Jeanne
This design is steller! You definitely know how
to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I
was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!
) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than
that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Brendan! Maybe you should give blogging a try!! Blessings! Jeanne
Thank you. Thank you. Loved your reminder to be the child God created. Great words!
Appreciate your kind words, Doneta. Bless you!