We’ve all heard the saying, right? “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I’ve always chuckled at the sentiment, partially because I love lemonade more than any other beverage on the planet. But this phrase hits home for me in this season more than it has in any other.
When E, our oldest, was a baby, we gave her lemons to try. Have you seen those videos on social media? She grabbed it excitedly like most tots do, but her face quickly puckered at the tangy sensation that took her by surprise. (And then she went back for more because she liked it)
The last year of my life – as a mom, wife, homemaker, friend – has been full of sour lemons. I could bore you with the details, but take me at my word when I say the last 18 months are not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
It’s been a wake up call to me as well as an exhaustion because, let’s be honest, lemonade takes some effort to make from scratch (metaphorically and in reality). It’s hard to take something painful and make it sweet, isn’t it? Going through change, loss, grief, and burnout doesn’t allow for much creativity to manufacture good.
Here’s the thing I’ve been learning: I cannot make good from bad. I cannot bring joy out of sadness. By my own strength and effort, I am unable to make right what has gone so very wrong in this world. In the depths of my being, I strive for perfection. I long for it; I can almost taste it – like a great glass of lemonade. But I can’t quite reach it.
Maybe that’s where you are or have been as well. And if so, I wish I could reach through your screen and give you a big hug. But since that’s not possible (check back in another generation), let me leave you with this word of encouragement.
God created you for a reason, friend. He knew what you would walk through before you were spoken into existence. He was well aware of the heartbreak and the joys, the sorrow and the rejoicing that you would encounter. And if you spend your life following Him, He promises to use everything for your good. Now don’t ask me why it all has to hurt so much, because I don’t have the answer to that. It’s not how it was supposed to be, and it most certainly does not feel fair. But Jesus came, died, and rose again so that we are never alone, and He promises to comfort us and minister to us in our time of need. Will you cling to that with me this week? He. Loves. You.
So glad you are blogging again and that you are hearing the very whispers of God to your precious heart. Life is so hard at times but He is so faithful ✝️ I love you sweet girl.