ONE LAST THINGS

Thank God for Children Saying Grace.

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked ifhe could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God isgreat. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom getsus ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a womanremark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even knowhow 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? IsGod mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God wascertainly 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 agreat prayer.

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied.

Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark hadstarted this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. Alittle ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son staredat his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of mylife.

He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it infront 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."

The Concert

When the house lights dimmed and the concert  was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.  Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.

In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit.  Keep playing."

Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. 

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

The audience was  so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played.

Only the classic, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

Perhaps that's the way it is with God.

What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy.

We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music.  However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.

The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully.  You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing."

May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.

Remember, God doesn't  seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips  the 'called.'

Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire.

May God bless you and be with you always!

And remember,

"Don't quit."

"Keep playing."

I found this buried in my E-mails tonight after I had written my Soapbox speech. It must have been placed here to correct my attitude.  God Bless you all.             Dave