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. 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 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."
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