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

Because I Can – Because We Can

It was cold enough for gloves and warm jacket, but I went for an early morning long walk, with earbuds in my ears and praise and worship music kicked up in high gear. I was flailing my arms and high-stepping it. Why would I do that? Because I can.

I was listening to the song “Where the Spirit of the Lord is” and I couldn’t help myself. His Spirit lives in me. Wherever I am, He is. Why wouldn’t I get myself moving and dancing and going outdoors and celebrating life? Quite frankly, outdoors seems to be the closest place to be near Him. After all, everywhere we look – the skies, the trees, the birds, the sun – AND people walking by -- He is there – and I think to myself what a wonderful world!

Why wouldn’t I dance? What wouldn’t I walk or run or jog? Why wouldn’t I stretch out my arms to the heavens in praise and worship to my Lord? Why wouldn’t I – when there are others on ventilators and they can’t, who are confined in bed and they can’t, who are isolated in a prison cell and they can’t, who are in a third world country and they are too afraid leave their shelter, so they can’t.

Because YOU can. We have seen you. You’re the ones holding up signs and balloons out of car windows, honking your car horn to celebrate someone’s birthday – apart, but together in spirit! We have seen you. You are the one who stands on your porch or balcony and you sing or play an instrument to brighten the world. You are the family that gets all together outside an elderly parent’s nursing home window to cheer them up. We have seen you. You are the devoted followers of Christ who are not missing a beat of your time to worship and praise Him in online services from home. We have seen you. You are the ones collecting food for the those who lost their jobs and they need help. We have seen you. You are the ever-faithful medical, emergency, and essential services warriors that have been relentless in life better for us. We have seen you.

And, what you see here is a most precious gift from a dear friend who is so multi-talented and uses her gifts to bless others. Because she can. She’s not one that likes to be on stage or to be the grandiose out-loud-pray-er – but, oh, the blessing she is to many. Because she can. On Tuesday, with her son as her chauffeur and her dogs as her body guards – she brought me this lovely encouragement. She blessed me so much. She handcrafted and painted half of the heart with these words:
“2020 started strong and tall. Who’d have thought that we’d end up with social distancing for all?
For now, my heart is hurting and broken right in two,
So, here’s a piece for me and here’s a piece for you.
But when this crazy time is through,
And we won’t have to be apart,
We’ll get together, have some fun
And mend this broken heart.”

Precious brothers and sisters-in-Christ – get out and do something that you can do, explore and do more for each other AND lift your praises to God – BECAUSE YOU CAN!