SAYING PRAYERS

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 thefood, 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 womanremark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even knowhow 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? IsGod mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God wascertainly 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 agreat prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remarkhad started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. Alittle ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son staredat his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of mylife.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it infront of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Icecream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."The End