Lemonade

It's a common ditty:  "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"  Pretty good advice.  And I think I've figured out why!

I've always liked lemons.  What would my favorite beverage (iced tea) be with out them?!  Anything better than lemon icebox pie?  Or lemon meringue pie?  Chicken piccata?   Or lemon pound cake?  Lemon cookies from Ham 'n Goodys?  When my mother died, neighbors asked our daughter what I liked best, as far as food goes.  Cindy answered, "Anything lemon!"  And they brought everything-lemon.  So delicious.  I was very touched and enjoyed their dishes so much.

Yes, lemons make for some yummy food to eat.

But...by themselves, they are not very good.  They are super tart, sour, sometimes bitter.  They make other things taste good, but on their own, not so much.  They need sugar to sweeten them.  Something liquid to dilute them.  Something else to lessen the intensity of their acidity.  Something to smoothe the flavor into something appetizing.  So, lemonade happens when sugar, water, and ice are added to that intense, sour, acidic juice!

Isn't it so, in life, as well?  When one is in the midst of the storm...when bad things happen...when stress is intense, we need something...Someone...to sweeten the situation, to lessen the pain, to bring joy to disperse the sadness.  Thank God, He is there!  He is the answer.  His words are soothing, His presence is peace.  His people, those who follow Him, are awesome.   He brings hope into a hopeless situation and renews our faith.  He loves us through whatever happens, when our knees are knocked out from under us, when life kicks us in the shins or hurts us with low blows.

Yes, life is full of  lemon-like scenarios; but we have the solution, free for the taking.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

What in the world do folks do...those who don't have this wonderful personal relationship with Christ our Lord and our Savior?  I am so grateful for His mercy and love and grace.