“God, we’d really love some ice cream.”
Broke Mom on Last $20, Kids Pray to God for Miracle. Then Mom Finds Envelope on Doorstep
There is so much power in the faith of a child. Their little hearts are not yet hardened by the world, disappointments, and broken relationships.
In Matthew, the disciples ask Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” He makes it clear that the humble heart of a child is great. He tells them that if we are to enter the kingdom of heaven, we are to become like little children.
Sara Moore Gruver, a mother of three from Watkins Glen, New York, was given a little reminder of just how strong a child’s faith can be. As she neared the end of the pay period, she had to budget.
Her children didn’t quite understand what it meant to come up short that week and began to beg for ice cream. You most likely know this routine and have seen it played out in the aisles of a grocery store, or experienced it with your own children. They insist they need a treat, or it’s the end of the world.
Sara explained to her children that she was short on funds, and the $20 in her pocket would only get her through until payday. They had plenty of food at home, after all.
Dreams of ice cream bliss crushed, she heard mournful little sighs from the back seat. Then knowing there was no convincing Mom, the children turned to the one person who always hears their prayers.
Sara heard, “God, we’d really love some ice cream. Is there any way you can give mommy some money so we can get some ice cream tonight? We know you can. Thank you.”
Reminding the children that there are bigger things they could be praying for, she corrected them. “God isn’t going to drop money on our door step so you can get ice cream. He’s BUSY right now with natural disasters.”
Her oldest child, Josh, knew that God is never too busy for even the smallest things in your life. After all, God fed a multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. Ice cream would be no problem.
Josh, not being of little faith, replied to his mother, “Nope, God said you’ll have plenty of money for ice cream and to give some to the natural disaster people.” Sarah began to correct him but gave up.
When they pulled into the driveway, their mail was on the front porch. As they unloaded, she opened an envelope and inside was a check for $123.
The extra money was returned from an overpayment on a student loan from several years before. Sara ended her Facebook post, “The kids were not surprised. God was not surprised. They got ice cream. The Red Cross got a donation. And Mom remembered, yet again, what it means to have the faith of a child.”
Since posting her experience, the story has gone viral. Sara is glad that her post has gained so much attention but has put faith in the spotlight.
Many who have read Sara’s story have offered ice cream money for her children. The paramedic reassures everyone that they are not in need, “We have good jobs and are financially set, just some weeks we pay extra on things and don’t leave room in the budget for treats.”
If this story gave you a good reminder to have the faith of a child, share it using the social media buttons below. You never know who needs to hear it.