Expanding Gifts

Sweltering heat and intense sun drew customers. As a welcome addition to their parents’ garage sale, Ashlyn, Emily, and Molly opened a lemonade stand. The cool, icy drink soothed parched throats and jingled money in their coin box. Later it would be dropped into open piggybanks. 

Behind the table and elaborate sign, the two older girls sat waiting patiently for more customers. Their mom’s friend arrived with her three elementary aged children who quickly bought lemonade and stood in the shade. 

Down the street, the squealing of brakes and banging of cans announced the garbage truck. 

“Girls, why don’t you see if the garbagemen would like some free lemonade?” their dad asked. 

Immediately, they jumped up and ran to the curb. When the truck stopped in front of their house, outgoing Emily asked, “Would you like some free lemonade?”

With a puzzled expression, the sweating man said, “What?”

“Would you like some free lemonade?” she asked again.

“Yes,” he replied with a smile.

Both girls rushed back to their table. Six year old Emily dumped ice in the cups, and eight year old Ashlyn poured the liquid. Each carried a blue cup to the waiting man. 

After putting their family’s trash in the truck, he gratefully accepted the delicious gift. His smile covered his face as he thanked my granddaughters. He gulped the soothing liquid and took the other cup to his driver. It was a welcome break in their scorching, grueling day.

During the scenario, I watched three stunned children stare at what was going on. Like a line of soldiers, they followed every movement without a word. It was as though they didn’t understand what was happening. Why would two girls give lemonade to strangers passing by? 

Emily and Ashlyn have learned to share and serve others in many ways. For instance, they have served the homeless, made cookies for neighbors and garbagemen, given money to sick children, and worked at the food pantry. Giving has always been a normal part of their lives.

The lemonade gift became larger as it was shared. Not only was thirst quenched, but those two men will remember the kindness of two little girls. Perhaps the children watching will realize they can also serve. The story will spread, the ripples widen, and gifts will increase.