Honking and Lemonade!

Driving in the 5 Towns on a Friday or Sunday afternoon is always a fun experience. The main roads are frequently clogged, and the melodious sounds of harmonizing horns gives a gentle reminder that the light has changed.  Drivers look up from their phones just long enough to drive the next 4 blocks, and then dive right back in. Occasionally, a new driver will actually use his signal when turning, eliciting a confused gaze from other drivers.

The real fun begins when you drive down a side road. The open road results in people hitting dangerous speeds as they zip to the other end.  And then you see it.  A little boy or girl with a lemonade stand. They are watching the cars fly by, waiting, hoping that someone will stop.

Will you be that person?  It takes two minutes to bring a smile to a little child’s face. Usually the kids are collecting for their Yeshivos.  I saw a girl raising money for BBY and a boy for Darchei. On one block I saw a gaggle of kids raising money for Chai Lifeline.  It’s so beautiful. Not only are these wonderful children developing a great work ethic, they’re trying to help others.  Is it that difficult to stop for a minute or two?

They don’t just want your money. I saw a driver drop off a dollar and drive off.  It was sweet, but disappointment clouded over the girl’s face. She wanted to make a sale, not get a handout.  It’s the opposite of the entitlement that many millennials have.  She wants to work hard and earn money.

The next time you’re driving down a side road and see some kids selling lemonade, pull over. Watch how excited they get when you buy a cup.  Tell them how thirsty you were, and that they saved the day. They will thank you. Their parents, who are watching nervously from the inside window, will thank you. Take a minute or two to appreciate a cold cup of lemonade.  Then get back to the honking.

Have a good Shabbos!

​YR