Ice Cream for the Soul
Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked
if he could say grace.
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."
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Cream for the Soul
