Good for the soul

 

Saying Grace In A Restaurant

 

A young mother has taken her family out for lunch

and her 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."