When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
I used to think that saying was somewhat hokey-pokey. But the more and more life throws at me, the more I realize that you have two choices:
Suck on the lemons and be bitter
Add some sugar, water, and make lemonade
We may not be able to choose what life throws our way, but we can chose how we respond. Not only does our choice affect our own mental well-being, but our choice affects the people around us too.
I am reminded fully of this as some close friends recently lost their own kiddo to Tay-Sachs disease. We knew we needed to attend the celebration of life, knowing fully that meant a nine hour car ride with our 9yo, 6yo, and 4yo.
To them- we are going on vacation. At the end of the vacation will be a party to celebrate a very special kiddo who is now in heaven with our sissy Olly Belle. We sprinkled in some trips to a park, a pier, lots of great food, and loads of swimming.
To us it’s an opportunity to show our kids how to make lemonade. It’s a choice. It means being intentional about choosing hope and joy amidst the circumstances. Our children are reflections of us after all. And they too have been through hard things and are learning by example.
But having friends, and family, and faith will take us far. Having a good outlook and learning how to turn the bitter things in life into something sweet is a skill. It takes effort, practice, and often times self reflection and courage.
In the Bible, John 16:22 reminds us that even in times of discouragement or grief that nothing can rob us of our joy. But… we have to choose it. We have to chose to look for those silver linings and those little reminders from our loved ones in heaven.
If you are experiencing grief or feel robbed of your joy know I’m praying over you. Know that you are never alone and that there is a rainbow of joy and peace on the other side. Maybe even a fresh tall glass of lemonade too!
I encourage you to look within- there is a whole lot of love, courage, and strength within you already. And if you don’t see it, just ask a friend. And when all else fails- barrow someone else’s strength until you find yours again.
Life is short and bittersweet. Enjoy the small things and remember to take deep breaths. If your heart is still beating, your story on this side of heaven isn’t finished. Looks like it’s time to make some more lemonade!
“'Cause I'm stuck on you, you're stuck on me
I never gotta wonder where my honey be
I ain't savin' all my sugar for a Saturday night
Seven days a week I got an appetite
The sun sets like a tangerine
Let's find a road we've never seen
Don't waste another mile or a
minute not kissin' me
Life is short, make it sweet”