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 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."  Then in 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."

                Submitted by Colleen Garner @ nyx.net