Children Saying Grace

Date: 05-07-2006
Number of Views: 4518

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 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."

THE END