I tried to give credit to the person who coined the phrase, "When Life Gives you Lemons, make Lemonade", but there were several people listed. This past few weeks, being home-bound, at times has been frustrating. My life, like everyone else in the country has flipped. My grandmother used to tell me to "be careful what you pray for." As a child, I thought that was a silly comment, like my prayers would make a difference. As an adult, I realize that prayer is the most powerful "tool" I possess. One of the scriptures that reinforce that belief is, "The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place", (2 Chronicles 30:27, NIV).
Over the years I have often thought, I wish I could be on vacation long enough that I would be rested and ready to go back to work. Hmmmm...or I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day so that I could catch up. Those weren't actually prayers, but they were thoughts that I had many days. Another thought I've had is, I would like to be bored. Thanks to the Coronavirus, and COVID19, I'm getting my wishes! So my grandmother's admonition has come full circle. Did I really want to be on vacation this long (self-containment)? No. Did I really want 24 hours in a day so that I could catch up? No. Did I really want to be isolated from my family and friends (who are all huggers)? No. So what changed? I don't have a choice in all of this. However, looking on the lighter side, I'm blessed. I have a computer so that I can continue to "work" from home. I live in a quiet neighborhood, so I can rest when necessary. I have a car which is reliable enough to get me to and from the grocery store. I have a church family who are willing to go the extra mile to video church services, every Sunday. And I am blessed to have caring, loving family and friends who often text, email, or call, just to "check-in".
So, this morning why not join me (virtually) with a glass of lemonade, just so we can count our blessings together! And what joy comes from blessings? Jesus said, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them,"(Matthew 18:20, NIV).
As my partner just showed me the lemonade she made for me this morning from her lemon tree that she juices and freezes so that I can have it all year long, I read your little piece about how you at peace with your life the way it is right now.
My partner had to close down her alteration shop. But decided to make free masks for her customers. When she called them up and they came to pick up their masks, they often ordered more and refused to take them free, sometimes paying a lot for materials and labor. So far this month, her sister-in-law and her have made $3000, nearly more than they ordinarily make.
A girlfriend that I had once lost her husband to a car wreck with six small children to care for. When we went to a restaurant, she ordered water and some lemon slices, normally free for tea, or perhaps for water. She squeezed the lemon slices into the water, and then added some sugar from the little packets on the table, making her own free lemonade. A lesson from hard times.
Since I normally stay at home in retirement, nothing has really changed for me.
Well said, Kathryn! I think it was Henry Ford who said this: "When life seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." And of course we remember the Scripture of the Apostle Peter who, when he took his eyes off Christ; when he doubted his faith, he began to sink when Jesus was walking on the water.
Reflections and Nature Watercolors is a collection of Margaret's spontaneous positive thoughts in celebrating and reflecting on life and her nature watercolors.
I tried to give credit to the person who coined the phrase, "When Life Gives you Lemons, make Lemonade", but there were several people listed. This past few weeks, being home-bound, at times has been frustrating. My life, like everyone else in the country has flipped. My grandmother used to tell me to "be careful what you pray for." As a child, I thought that was a silly comment, like my prayers would make a difference. As an adult, I realize that prayer is the most powerful "tool" I possess. One of the scriptures that reinforce that belief is, "The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place", (2 Chronicles 30:27, NIV).
