Ice Cream for the Soul
author unknown
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 gentle man 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 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 kid's 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."
God Bless.