Thank God For Children Saying
Grace
Rockingham Remembered
Short Stories
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."