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,
"Thats whats wrong with this country. Kids today
dont 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 theatrical whisper he added (indicating
the woman whose remark had started the 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 ice cream is for you. Ice cream is
good for the soul sometimes and my soul is good
already."