Saying Grace In A Restaurant

Here’s the latest internet schmaltz that I thought worth publishing.  But the message is worthy – God wants us to be happy, even if sourpusses say otherwise.

Here’s the content of the latest schmaltz in my inbox:

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."