But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16
Ice Cream - It's Good for the Soul
--Author Unknown
A family decided to go to a local restaurant for dinner one evening and their son asked if he could say grace. His parents nodded yes and the boy prayed, "God is good, God is great and we thank Him for our food. And God, I sure would like ice cream for dessert. With liberty and justice for all. Amen!"
Laughter from customers seated near the family was heard as well as a comment from a woman seated nearby. "This is what is wrong with kids today! Why in the world would you let a your little boy manipulate you and God... for ice cream! Why I never... "
The mom's attention quickly went to her son as he burst into tears and asked, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" His mother held him close and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him.
Just then, an elderly gentle man approached the table. He winked at the little boy 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, he added, (with an indication to the woman whose remark had started all this) "Too bad she never asks God for Ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, the family all had ice cream for dessert. The little boy stared at his for a moment and then did something no one sitting near would ever forget.
He picked up his little 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. You see, ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and I thought ice cream might make your soul feel good.
To discourage a child with our "adult" ideas or thoughts can be dangerous. Yes, we are to teach them to pray -- but remember kids will be kids and at times will come up with their own ideas.
Was it wrong for this little boy to pray for ice cream -- no, of course not. When our children sincerely ask us for something -- do we as parents... not want to give it to them, at least some of the time?
Our God understands little children! I think He might have even chuckled a little when the little boy asked for his heart's desire.
As we teach our children, it is important for us to keep the concept of "coming to God as a child!" Just as God's Word instructs us to do. Remember that Jesus has said, unless we come to Him as children -- we won't even get a look at the Kingdom of God -- let alone take up residence there one day! Matthew 18:3
God isn't looking for long fancy prayers or even those who pray well -- He is looking for those who will pray! God's desire for us, is to be simple and basic when we approach Him.
I hope you pray... and I pray -- that God sends you ice cream today!!
Ice Cream - It's Good for the Soul
--Author Unknown
A family decided to go to a local restaurant for dinner one evening and their son asked if he could say grace. His parents nodded yes and the boy prayed, "God is good, God is great and we thank Him for our food. And God, I sure would like ice cream for dessert. With liberty and justice for all. Amen!"
Laughter from customers seated near the family was heard as well as a comment from a woman seated nearby. "This is what is wrong with kids today! Why in the world would you let a your little boy manipulate you and God... for ice cream! Why I never... "
The mom's attention quickly went to her son as he burst into tears and asked, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" His mother held him close and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him.
Just then, an elderly gentle man approached the table. He winked at the little boy 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, he added, (with an indication to the woman whose remark had started all this) "Too bad she never asks God for Ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, the family all had ice cream for dessert. The little boy stared at his for a moment and then did something no one sitting near would ever forget.
He picked up his little 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. You see, ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and I thought ice cream might make your soul feel good.
To discourage a child with our "adult" ideas or thoughts can be dangerous. Yes, we are to teach them to pray -- but remember kids will be kids and at times will come up with their own ideas.
Was it wrong for this little boy to pray for ice cream -- no, of course not. When our children sincerely ask us for something -- do we as parents... not want to give it to them, at least some of the time?
Our God understands little children! I think He might have even chuckled a little when the little boy asked for his heart's desire.
As we teach our children, it is important for us to keep the concept of "coming to God as a child!" Just as God's Word instructs us to do. Remember that Jesus has said, unless we come to Him as children -- we won't even get a look at the Kingdom of God -- let alone take up residence there one day! Matthew 18:3
God isn't looking for long fancy prayers or even those who pray well -- He is looking for those who will pray! God's desire for us, is to be simple and basic when we approach Him.
I hope you pray... and I pray -- that God sends you ice cream today!!
RSS Feed
