Be a Lemonade Maker in 2018
What defines a person? I don’t believe the cards we are dealt in live define us. I believe how we play the cards is what truly defines us. I’ve always had a passion to help others, and since March 8, 2014, I’ve had a personal bucket list item to start a blog. I purchased the domain name and started and stopped various blogs more times than I care to count. Now that 2017 is coming to a close, I decided to finally put this plan into action and to find a way to make lemonade out of the lemons in my life.
I love water with fresh lemons. When I buy lemons, I look for the “pretty” ones that are as close to perfect as possible. In all honesty, isn’t that what we all want, to be as close to perfect as possible? Have you ever left the store because the lemons were not good enough? The funny thing is just like lemons, we’re all perfectly imperfect.
In thinking about how different each of us are, I am reminded of Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Along with this, I am reminded that God created each of us unique with different talents, and it is how we use those talents that defines us. Sometimes it is not what you do for others that matters, it’s more that you did something. At the end of the day, we are all perfectly imperfect humans who want to be cared about.
To those who know and love me, I believe my ability to play the cards I am dealt in a tragedy is what defines me. Let’s face it, I’ve definitely been dealt some pretty tough hands over the years. While the purpose of this is not to host my own pity party, it is what has driven me to create this blog. I won’t go into all of the details in this post. I will just sum it up by saying at the age of 38 (not 40 yet), I have lost my sister (and best friend), only brother-in-law, third born baby, and my father. The theme between all of these losses is tragedy because unfortunately, all the major losses in my life have been tragic ones.
With each loss, I am left wondering, how can I use this tragedy to bring some good in the world? What I’ve learned through each loss is people are very awkward when trying to relate to someone who has suffered a loss. People don’t know what to say or what to do. Don’t worry, it’s awkward for almost everyone. With each loss, I realize that I have so much to share that might help people not be so awkward next time. I’ve discussed this often with several different people and finally decided it is time to put this plan into action. I’m not sure the path this process will take, and I know it will be painful at times; however, if I am able to help someone by sharing my story and experiences, then all of this was worth it.
1 Peter 4:10 reminds us “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I ask you to join me on this journey as I share my story in hopes of helping others find ways to use their talents to serve others. For 2018, be a lemonade maker, no matter what lemons you have. For an extra reward, find ways to share your perfectly imperfect lemonade with others.
