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>Saying Grace In A Restaurant
>
>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."