Accept the Blessing

A blessing on a run in the sweltering sun.

Photo by Isaac Wendland on Unsplash

By mile 5 of the run, the soles of my Kinvaras were no match for the searing heat radiating off the road.

Summer arrived early in Wisconsin.

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Two energetic girls had set up a table alongside the road.

A lemonade stand.

If you are a regular reader, you know I ALWAYS stop at a kid’s lemonade stand.

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“Would you like some lemonade?” the oldest one called out.

Today with no money, my mind searched for ways I could encourage them without buying any lemonade.

Thank you, no. It looks fantastic, but I don’t have any money with me.

“It’s free; you look like you could use some.” The younger girl poured a cup.

I run in a fasting state. No food before and only water until I finish.

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Something a pastor friend of mine taught me immediately came to my mind.

“To refuse a kindness robs them of their blessing.”

Even though drinking lemonade would end the fast, how could I refuse their kindness?

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“Thank you,” I said after the last sip, “this is just what I needed to finish my run.”

The girls smiled.

As the youngest took my cup, a car filled with kids pulled up and ordered several glasses.

“Enjoy your run,” They called out.

And I did.

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