As I was driving home from the gym one afternoon this week, I spotted some children standing by the side of the road waving signs and jumping up and down. The closer I got, the guiltier I felt to stop for them. But alas, I kept driving.

Sitting at a red light just down the road, a wave of regret came over me. Shit, I thought, I should really go back. So I pulled the car around and made my way back in the direction of the children whose faces lit up as they watched me return. I got out of my car and walked toward their lemonade stand as they scrambled to their assigned jobs.

To say that these kids looked excited would be the understatement of the century. They couldn’t believe that I had turned around. “Would you like some lemonade?!” they shouted.

They proceeded to pour me an overflowing Dixie cup of instant lemonade, garnished with a little lemon wedge that appeared it had been painstakingly cut with a plastic knife. It was adorably delicious. And all for the low price of 75 cents.

It felt like one of those Discover Card commercials: Out of all the expenses in our daily lives that add up, this moment was priceless.

So as the end of summer rolls around, I encourage everyone to stop at the next lemonade stand you see. And if my story isn’t reason enough, here are some other bonuses.

1. Lemonade is delicious.
2. You get to make someone’s day.
3. Hydration is important.
4. You’re probably not actually in as big of a rush as you think, no matter where you’re going.
5. You’re supporting small businesses!
6. You’re teaching children the value of money.
7. Not to mention, the importance of working for money— not just taking handouts.
8. You’re engaging with the future leaders of your community.
9. You’re inspiring others to take a moment out of their busy day to stop for lemonade, as well.
10. You, too, were once a little kid selling lemonade.
11. And there was no better feeling than watching an approaching car slow down and roll down a window.
12. It's affordable.
13. If their lemonade stand is for Alex’s Lemonade, then you’re contributing to children’s cancer research.
14. If you don't finish your lemonade by the time you reach home, you can always pour it over ice with a little extra something.