When life gives you lemons…
I think we all know that saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. How about what is meant for evil, God uses for good? Lately, I have had quite a few of those moments. It has me wondering and questioning if I ever had a time or a season that I did not have to constantly adjust my outlook on things. Maybe I naively ran full speed ahead and just ignored the little bumps in the road. Maybe, as I get older, I have just become more aware of these little distractions. This weekend was one of those distractions. We had a plan, and like so many other plans lately, things changed last minute. Truthfully, in the past, I probably would have responded more in anger and frustration, but after being in this season of turmoil and challenges, we simply make the best of what is handed to us. You know what happened? We had an amazing day-it might not have been the exact thing we planned, but it was a perfect day. “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:19-21, NIV) So many stories in the Bible have individuals going through a season or seasons of challenges. The story of Joseph is one of my favorite stories of perseverance. It defines how God turns what was meant for evil to good. He was not only betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery, he was also falsely imprisoned as the betrayal and lies continue in his life. He is then lifted to a seat of power in Egypt and becomes the one to save the lives of countless, to include the brothers that originally betrayed him.
None of us knows how our stories are written. When Joseph dreamt that his brothers would bow to him, I am sure the path to get there was not anything he could have imagined. How amazing is it that even after overcoming all that was done to him, he still chose to forgive and reconcile with his family? That can only be of God. I know that it is only through and with the grace of God that I can walk through this season not only living, but finding pockets of joy.
Back to today…what made it perfect? When plans get disrupted, you just go with no plan. The girls and I made our trip, we found a local pizza place and then we found the coolest little vintage shops where each of us found the “perfect” thing meant just for us. These difficult days can consume us, we can let them stop us from living, from moving forward. I choose to live. I choose to trust that what God has planned on the other side of this is my Joseph moment-and it surpasses anything I can imagine.
Today, I am thankful for cool shoes in vintage shops. I am thankful for doors opening when others close. I am thankful for midday naps for hours on end and the reminders that you can’t have amazing lemonade without lemons.
I pray that if you find your plans disrupted, you lean in to the change-you might find it results in a better day or some rare finds!
I pray these words spoke to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog, subscribe to my web page.
