What!? $5.00 for a cup of lemonade!? What on earth is going on around here? Oh now, it’s probably only 50 cents, so lets not get all stirred up.
A few years ago as I was approaching the entrance to a grocery store – I saw four or five Girl Scouts standing outside – looking at me in anticipation. I smiled and quickly turned my gaze towards the CARTS to avoid any further contact while thinking to myself, why don’t I ever carry cash and I reeeeally do not need any cookies. My mind was racing, I’ll get in there and just exit out the other door of the store where they aren’t set up. YES! Then there doesn’t have to be any more awkwardness or the feeling that I let them down in some way. Is that just me!? Planning my exit strategy!? I have a sneaking suspicion that others have done this too….
Okay, so Girl Scouts and Lemonade Stands (and any other kids that sell stuff for a cause, or to simply make some spending money for those walkie talkies that they’ve been eyeballing)…. Here are some of my thoughts…. I would imagine this to be their first sales job. Getting out there and facing the public. Yikes! How we respond to these guys is a golden opportunity. Note: I am not referring to the sneaking out the side entrance strategy I mentioned earlier. The thrill these kids receive from us purchasing something is pushing them to keep going, building confidence that leads them to be eager to speak to the next person that approaches. Sure they will hear no’s, but perhaps we can be that yes in between.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to chat with some kids and their mom at a Farmer’s Market where they had a little lemonade stand. They go every Saturday and set up a booth. You could tell that their mother instilled good values in them. It just radiated. I know one of the children couldn’t have been over 3 years old. He was so polite, grateful, and smiling. They do this every Saturday! It’s HOT here, y’all!
Absolutely yes, I”ll have a cup of lemonade! The kids were grateful for a customer that day and I was grateful for the moment. We were both blessed in that moment. That’s what He does. That’s how He moves. That’s how He guides.
I always carry cash now (not a lot, don’t get any ideas) and I consider it a part of being prepared at all times. You never know who you may meet. That couple of dollars might be more beneficial in their hands than it is in our pockets.
God is in the business of introductions.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Can't it all be about dogs? 