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."
