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," the
man replied. 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."
No comments:
Post a Comment