Here’s a great little story (author unknown) that was given to us by Sheila MacComber. See if this doesn’t help put things in perspective, something we can all use these days.
The Ice Cream PrayerLast 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 thank you even more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. Liberty and Justice for all. Amen!”
Along with the laughter from other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kid’s 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, I 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” replied the gentleman. Then in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started the whole thing, “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.”
Naturally, I bought the kids ice cream for dessert. 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 smile, he said, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes”