Last week I took my
children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he
could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God
is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I
would even thank you more if mom Gets us ice cream for
dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"
Along with the laughter
from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark,
"That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today
don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream!
Why, I never!"
Hearing this, my son
burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong?
Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him
that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not
mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and
said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a
great prayer." "Really?" my son asked.
"Cross my heart." Then in a theatrical whisper
he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started
this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for
ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul
sometimes."
Naturally, I bought my
kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at
his for a moment and then did something I will remember
the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without
a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman.
With a big smile he told
her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for
the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already."
Author unknown
