Through the mouths of babes

[Guest guest]

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 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. " The End