Ice Cream

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 saying a word, walked over and placed it in front of the

woman that made the remark. 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