Ice Cream Anyone?

            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 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 bursts 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 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.”