Inspirational Thoughts

Ice cream

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 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 the gentleman 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 already good."

- Lilly Walters

8 Gifts

LISTENING

But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

AFFECTION

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

LAUGHTER

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you".

A WRITTEN NOTE

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

A COMPLIMENT

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red", "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

A FAVOR

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

SOLITUDE

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION

The easiest way to feel good is to make others feel good.

Action

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier
than puttin' it back.
- Unknown

Faith

Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not in hand.
- Saint Thomas Acquinas

Luck

All of us have bad luck and good luck.
The man who persists through the bad luck - who keeps right on going -
Is the man who is there when the good luck comes - and is ready to receive it.
- Robert Collier

Talent

Everyone has talent.
What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads
- Erica Jong

Exhilaration

Exhilaration is that feeling you get just after a great idea hits you,
and just before you realize what's wrong with it.
- Rex Harrison

Kindness

Kindness is more than deeds.
It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch.
It is anything that lifts another person.
- C. Neil Strait

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