Ice Cream

At a recent trip to a restaurant this parent’s six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As they all bowed their 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 laughter from the other customers nearby, a woman remarked, “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,the boy burst into tears and asked, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?” The parent 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 the boy and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.” “Really?” the boy asked. “Cross my heart,” the elderly man replied,and then in a theatrical whisper (loud enough for the woman to hear) the gentleman added , “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.”

Naturally, the parent bought the kids ice cream at the end of the meal. The 6 year old stared at his for a moment and then did something the parent will always remember. 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 already good.”

Love what happens when you stay on the sunny side,
Henry Wiebe