Making Lemon Aid

I just had my annual physical and there were several new glitches that occurred in my body.   However, I hope to still be around for awhile.  Of course God knows more about that than I do! 

I receive a daily email from a sweet lady living in one of the apartments in my retirement community.  She alerts us as to who needs what, as well as physical problems that arise among the residents.    Those who bravely face devastating illnesses arouse in me a tremendous admiration. 

There is one lady I know who contracted Lyme disease.  She had to quit her job and fight for her very life. Her illness brought not only physical hardships but enormous emotional distress as well.   Eventually though, she won out.  She fought back against despair or surrender.  What a lady!! 

As I write this blog, I am thinking of myself as well.  I want to offer a bit of encouragement to those of you who might be facing something in your life that is devastating for you also.  It might not be an illness but any number of personal tragedies that effect your happiness and well being.

I asked my friend what helped her through this ordeal.  What sword and shield did she bring to this fight? She wrote that a key word to surviving in tough times is resilience. According to Webster it can mean, “An ability to recover from or adjust to misfortune or change.”  Resilience is a major discussion among Psychologists.  This is a huge topic which will help all of us with our own problems.  As we witness the changes and sadness in the world we need resilience to face these tough times, as well as the traumas in our own life.

                  However, resilience isn’t always easy.  So what’s next? 

Faith is high on the list.  Remember we only need a kernel of faith.  Only the size of a mustard seed!  Faith deserts us many times.   I wonder if God is really listening to me.

As we look out into the world today, we find that many of the so-called “pop-culture” kids have been raised outside of any type of faith tradition.  Many have never even opened a Bible.  What do they lean on?  They are completely without a foundation.  Perhaps like a ten year old trying to drive a Porsche.  No knowledge of how to “do” life.  No wonder the suicide rate is climbing among young adults. 

           Blessings and Lemons

So how does all of this relate to you and me?  Despite the months of suffering or misery in our life we can come to a place where we make peace with it all.  It gives us a realization that there is still good in the world and that we are here to make the world a better place, perhaps to make someone’s life a little happier……a little better.”Keeping a lively sense of humor.”  This was my friend’s advice to me. 

She added…..”I urge you to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have. Spend each day with some laughter and some good thoughts…. to get your emotions going.  To be enthusiastic every day….to keep your dreams alive in spite of problems facing you.” 

Enthusiasm, laughter, thoughtfulness, dreams, prayer………..all help us to take the “lemons” in life and make lemon aid!!