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," the man
replied. 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."
Thank God for Children!!
