When Life Gives You Lemons – Make Lemonade

We’ve been making lemonade by the gallons during this season, haven't we? But, on the other hand, I'm sure we all have found some real positives. I’m thinking about those who put that quote to action by creating something needed and now have thriving businesses. For example, face masks -- the law of supply and demand sure kicked in for those who jumped on "making lemonade"! Dr. Rhys Thomas was desperately concerned at the lack of intensive care unit (ICU) ventilators. Along with engineering company CR Clark & Co., he created a machine that not only helps patients to breathe but cleans the room of viral particles. Wyn Griffiths designed a prototype 'arm' that attaches to an existing door handle, with a crook to open business doors. My son found his employees were more productive at home during this time, so now they are downsizing all that unneeded office space.

Over the last few years, families tended to see each other just in passing because of children running off to school or game practice or parents staying late at work. Family dinners were uncommon. I've loved seeing the social media posts about their love for family time together and plan on it being their new norm.

I’ve come to appreciate Amazon Prime because of a better price, next day delivery, and not having to leave my home. Zoom meetings have allowed us to stay at home. I have come to appreciate the great outdoors more and I’ve seen families walking together or riding their bicycles. Prior to the pandemic, not many people really appreciated the outdoor's beauty. I’m hoping we hold on to that feeling of getting out and breathing fresh air that's so natural and free. What if we spent more time in parks than malls? How much money would we save?”

And, add another glass of lemonade for the opportunity to watch church online for those who are homebound or out-of-town. Maybe the new normal will always include online worship events and long-distance conferencing which saves in time and expense from having to fly across country for a meeting.

Major shift in the way we see and live life happened. I believe we are better because of the lemons that were thrown our way. I still have an absolute certainty that times are going to get better and we are going to come out better than we were before this. We've learned many lessons. If we would really believe that God is on our side, that He is for us, and He is cheering us on. He is making each of us into a refreshing glass of water. I said "water" because not all of us like lemonade.

Water quenches thirst. May we take all that we have endured and conquered and use it to take a thirsty friend a refreshing glass of water. That's what we'll look like to them when we show up with good news and encouragement.The tough times are the “things” St. Paul talked about in Romans 8:28 – “ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes." As long as we keep the faith, the tenacity, the resilience and determination to conquer, we WILL conquer!

"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42

Are You a Caregiver? Then You Are Being Used By God.

Yesterday, I watched a dear friend whisper into her sweet Mama's ear "I love you. Thank you", and I watched her stroke her hair and tenderly kiss her on the cheek. This precious Mama is transitioning from this earth home to her heavenly home. But this care, she was being given today, has been ongoing for many years. Witnessing these tender moments, made me want to reach out to my FB friends who are caregivers today and encourage you with this beautiful ministry of caregiving. I totally believe you have the Father's heart of love and compassion.

I recognize that ministry. I was the caregiver to my precious Mama for many years and into her later years, her 24-7 caregiver. Then during my Sweetheart's illness, being his 24-7 caregiver.

Caregiving should never feel like it's merely a duty or obligation. Caregiving can be welcomed into our hearts as a God-given ministry. It may be a hidden ministry that goes unnoticed by many, but it is a ministry that God sees and one that pleases Him. Jesus recognized its importance when He said, “Whoever helps one of these little ones because they are my followers will truly get his reward. He will get his reward even if he only gave my follower a cup of cold water.” Matthew 10:42.

As a caregiver, God will use your hands as an extension of His hands—to hold, to support, to embrace, to comfort, to bless, to help, to heal; He will use your words— to encourage, to build up, to speak hope, to convey truth, to strengthen faith, to deepen trust, to impart love; He will use your presence— to show care, to bring companionship, to wipe a tear, to soothe a pain, to dispel a fear, to rub a brow, to kiss a check, to hold a hand, to fluff a pillow, to reassure when there’s a setback, to celebrate when progress is made. Those actions certainly do sound like the actions and character of God.

As His servants, the ministry of caregiving means that whatever it is we do to help another, even if it means the simple act of giving a glass of water, the Lord receives it as a ministry done unto Him. How blessed we are to be able to make God's heart glad as we touch others with His love. I can imagine He is giving you applause and a standing ovation for a "job well done"!