The doorbell rang this morning and I figured it was probably a delivery or the mail carrier. I looked out front and no trucks were around. I opened the door to find a young guy, I would guess in his early teens, finding opportunity in yesterday’s snowfall. Outside it was pretty and very bright with a fresh 3 or 4 inches of snow yesterday. “Would you like some help with the snow?” he asked. I declined. In fact, I had almost finished getting my stuff on to head outside and shovel the same snow he was asking if I wanted him to tend to. He looked a little bummed but that is how offering your services goes. You don’t close every deal. I closed the door and walked back toward the garage to get ready to go outside.

I had recognized this kid at the door. Last weekend we came home after a night away and there was a few inches of snow. I started shoveling right when we got home and was clearing the front sidewalk when this same kid asked if I needed any help. I was nearly done and said no. I was fine finishing it up. He continued on to the various houses.

Here he was again on the next weekend morning with fresh snow. Smart strategy and willing to do the work. This all made me think of neighborhood lemonade stands.

I love that we live in a neighborhood that still has young kids who run a lemonade stand in the summer. I decided a while ago that if you see some kids running a lemonade stand, your obligation as an adult in that community is to stop and get some lemonade. Not thirsty? So what. Lemonade doesn’t look that tasty? Don’t care. A glass of lemonade cost 75¢? Fine, pay twice that. The value has nothing to do with any of that lemonade. The value is in these kids doing a thing, in the community, and engaging with others. It should be rewarded and magnified. So buy that lemonade.

And then I thought here I am saying no to this kid that is doing exactly the right thing. Will others say yes and he’ll have a productive day? Sure, most likely. But can I be part of encouraging this kind of thing in my community? Absolutely.

I opened the door and he was at the end of the walk. I said I’d changed my mind and yes, it would be great if he could shovel the front. He did a great job.