A Six Year Old's Prayer
Unknown Author
Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son had
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."
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