Lemonade

At a recent district training, we participated in an activity called Lemons/Lemonade. The first person was asked to describe something that happened to them recently that would be considered a negative experience (lemons), and the next person was charged with “spinning” it into something positive (lemonade). Standout example: Lemon—a student bit me on the arm. Lemonade—there are worse places you could have been bitten! Wincing aside, the point is that we had to be very intentional about shifting perspectives to look at things in a different light, and it got me thinking about the importance of doing this in all moments. 

Every day we are faced with challenges. Some are as minor as spilling coffee on a white shirt, others are more jarring like news of a best friend dying in a car accident (unfortunately, I have experienced both). In each of these moments, we have a choice about how we respond. Emotions will undoubtedly kick in, this is human nature and I’m not suggesting it should be suppressed. Coffee spills can elicit some colorful language. News of a tragedy will trigger panic and grief. These are natural responses and we all have them. But here’s the thing: our response can and will change when we rely on another source than our own strength to transform lemons into lemonade. 

I will never forget the day I got the call that Angie was killed. My knees buckled and I fell to the ground and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. She was so young, she had three young children, she had just accepted Christ and she was the most passionate person I had ever met…how could she be gone? Calling this lemons doesn’t even seem powerful enough, my soul was crushed. But over the years as I have prayed and leaned into God when the grief overwhelms me, I have tasted lemonade. While I still miss my dear friend with all of my heart, I know that she is walking on streets of gold. I can also see the blessings that God provided through an amazing woman to raise the kids, opportunities for me to stay in their lives, and many other things I will never know…but I know that God works all things for good and I trust Him, even when I don’t understand it. That’s faith.

The only way we can truly experience lemonade in all circumstances is through a relationship with Christ. Looking at all things through the lens of His plan changes everything. It won’t take away our problems or our emotions, but it shifts our perspective in a way that provides hope, joy and peace. I pray that you experience this with every lemon that comes your way, spilt coffee and beyond.

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I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 

John 16:33

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

For we live by faith, not by sight. 

2 Corinthians 5:7