Short Stories

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The Parable of the Snow Cone
by Fay Johnson

It is hot! Blistering. The kind of summer day that makes sunflowers droop before the morning dew dries. I was getting my snow cone shop, The Gulf Between, ready to open for business in spite of the soaring temperature. I like to be in my place to be a blessing to those needing refreshment.
“Good morning! So what will it be today tootie fruity, or maybe banana? How about a mix – all the rage you know.”
“Cherry with banana dripping down the middle sounds good. How do manage giving away snow cones for free?”
“Oh sometimes the little ones spend everything and forget to keep a little back so I help them out and besides occasionally people want to be a blessing to others and they help out.”
“Well I think it’s very nice of you to give away snow cones on hot days.”
“Oh it’s not much. I do what I can. Sure it’s hot out here but you know I’m reminded every day no matter how hot it gets it’s like an iceberg compared to hell. Sure I would be more comfortable inside in the air conditioning but there is no relief in hell. So I come out here and offer snow cones and tell folks how they can avoid a hotter place than this.”
“You know I’ve heard about all that and I just don’t believe in hell. That’s what was taught a long time ago, but no one teaches it any more.”
“Do you know who talked about hell more than any one else in the New Testament?”
“No, I guess I don’t.”
“Jesus.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“He told the story about a poor beggar man named Lazarus and a rich man. Both died. Lazarus went to Abraham’s bosom and the rich man went to Hades and there was a gulf fixed between. The rich man looked across the gulf and saw Lazarus and he called across to Abraham and asked if Lazarus could dip his finger in some water to cool his tongue because he was tormented. I find many amazing things in this story. All the men seemed to see each other across the gulf and were able to communicate, but couldn’t reach each other. Lazarus didn’t seem to have the ability to help this man whether he wanted to or not. However, by the unfathomable grace of God I have the privilege to offer you so much more than was asked of Lazarus I can give you a snow cone which would be more refreshing than just a few drops of water.”
“You’re right that is an incredible story. Can I leave something behind so you can tell that story to others?”

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