Ice Cream: Good for the Soul

Did you know that Sunday, July 19, was National Ice Cream Day? President Ronald Reagan established the tradition by presidential proclamation in 1984 in honor of the beloved summer treat enjoyed by over 90% of Americans, and it is now celebrated annually on the third Sunday of July. If you missed celebrating last Sunday, you may want to include an ice cream treat in your plans for the upcoming weekend! And here’s a story for you to enjoy as you do so…

ICE CREAM: GOOD FOR THE SOUL

(Author Unknown)

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.” 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 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.”