When life gives you lemons…

…make lemonade. That’s what the cliche says anyway. This is the idea that you take the situations that you encounter and deal with them. You suck it up and make something out of those lemons. This of course is impossible if you’re convinced that lemons are going to be your downfall. Of if you’re convinced that nobody else gets lemons like you do and truthfully, you’re probably really tired of lemonade. Can’t life give you something else?

It’s time for a different perspective. Let’s change the way you look at “lemons” forever. 

Here’s what life’s lemons offer:

Strength:

The flesh of a lemon is full of Vitamin C and antioxidants. It provides the body with much needed protection. It wards fights off infection and strengthen’s the immune system. The body is strengthened bit by bit, lemon by lemon. What if those struggles you’re experiencing are strengthening you bit by bit? What if the more you experience the more resilient you become? Think about it, hasn’t your past made you wiser and more prepared for the future? 

Increase:

If life gives you lemons, you have something that you didn’t have before. You have more material to work with. You have access to new lessons and new perspectives. Your story has added dimension that’s woven into your perfectly crafted person. 

Opportunity:

With increase comes opportunity. Now that you have more to work with, you have the chance to steward those lemons in a new way. No, you weren’t expecting them. You didn’t plan on that thing showing up on your doorstep, in your mail, in your DMs, but now you can get creative. You can think differently (hey Apple) and work outside the box. 

Next time you’re thrown a lemon (ie. financial hurdle, relationship drama, work issue, anything else ridiculous), get excited. Envision the testimony that will come from the test. Envision the people that you will encourage with your story. 

It’s really all about perspective. Now, let’s look up some recipes for lemons…

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13