“Praise God with trumpets and all kinds of harps. Praise Him with tambourines and dancing, with stringed instruments and woodwinds.” – Psalm 150 3-4
Harleema was ecstatic about her very first dance recital. She looked adorable; the cuter-than-ever pony tail, the bright lipstick, the colorful costume. She was ready!
As her piece began, the confident six year-old tapped like it was her ‘job.’ Toes tapping, fingers snapping, head bobbing - almost perfect rhythm . . . until her tap shoe came loose and as if on cue, it sailed into the unsuspecting crowd.
Horrified, she scanned the audience for her Daddy, who at the time was busy videotaping the priceless event. Unsure how best to continue, she leaped off the stage landing safely in Navine’s arms as the video camera dropped clumsily to the floor.
Everyone laughed. Harleema, cozily nestled in her Daddy’s grasp, seemed unshaken. She received an ovation for her cute stage exit; Dad for his clutch grab.
As a reward, Navine took the family to a local restaurant and invited his new performing artist to say grace. As they bowed their heads, Harleema voiced her blessing, "God is great! Thank you for this food . . . and if You are still listening Lord, could you see to it that Dad gets us ice cream for dessert? With liberty and justice for all! Amen."
Along with the laughter from nearby customers, a woman remarked, "What’s wrong with kids today; they don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! What nonsense, how disrespectful?"
Navine held her for the second time that day. With the warmth that only a loving parent could show an anxious child, he assured her that God had no reason to be angry with her.
An elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at the tearful young girl and said, "God and I both thought that was a great prayer!"
“Really?” she questioned.
"Cross my heart," he said warmly. Then in a theatrical whisper, he added "Too bad she (nodding toward the outspoken woman), never asks God for ice cream. Ice cream is good for the soul!” Before leaving the café, he instructed the waiter to add a round of ice cream for Navine’s family to his bill.
Harleema smiled broadly when her ice cream arrived. She stared at the frosty bowl for a moment and then did something remarkable. She picked up her tasty treat and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. Joyfully, she explained, "This is for you M‘am! Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and mine’s fine already."
Sweet Jesus – thank you for the wisdom of the children, their laughter and their loveliness make us all better children of God. Help us to taste the sweet treats of Your bounty and the joy of Your Holiness. Amen.
