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."
"AUTHOR UNKNOWN TO ME"
