Last week I took Joaquin, my 6-year-old cousin to a restaurant. He 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 kuya Marvin 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, Joaquin 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 cousin and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."
"Really?" my cousin asked.
"Cross my heart."
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 Joaquin ice cream at the end of the meal. Joaquin stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember for the rest of my life.
He picked up his sundae and, without saying a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman that made the remark.
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."
1 comment:
I wish I'm a kid at all times, and since that cannot be granted, I wish to have a heart and a soul of a child. Miss you Marvin!
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