It always amazes me how the Lord can lead us to lessons and important principals using the smallest details in our lives. Even the most mundane and seemingly insignificant actions can lead to some sort of revelation.
I was working on my lemon projects last week and was trying to find some cute quotes on Pinterest that I might be able to use on one of my DIYs. I found so many that started with the familiar phrase, “When life gives you lemons…” and then you can fill in the blank.
There were funny ones, encouraging ones, some that I can’t even repeat, but they all had that same intro, and it got me thinking…
I first contemplated the word “Life” and what exactly does it mean for Life to “give” you something, or in some of the sayings, “hand” you something? I’m thinking maybe that the word “world” could be a synonym for WHO exactly the fruit bearer is in this figurative scenario.
Maybe if we took it to an even deeper and more spiritual level, “the enemy” could be considered the one “giving the lemons”.
Which brings me to another random thought. Why do lemons have to take such a bad wrap anyway?! I love lemons and the “sour” that comes with them! I’m assuming the reason for using this misunderstood fruit in the analogy is specifically because of its sour effect, but still…! Lol
My final revelation came while discerning the whole lemon illustration, when I tried thinking of when “life” ever gave me lemons, personally. Of course, we all go through trials and tribulations during our short time here on earth, some much greater than others.
To be clear, the death of a child, the tragic loss of a loved one, a debilitating disease, or any of the horrible experiences that go way beyond the parameters of a mere “lemon being given”, doesn’t apply to this principle. Those aren’t the “sour circumstances” this adage is referring to. (In my opinion)
But as I began to recall those times of hardship in my own life, situations that felt more than difficult and extremely uncomfortable; those mountains that seemed unmovable, or trials that I thought would never end, it was in those moments that I now see, were usually (not always) the result of my own decisions, more specifically, my BAD decisions!
What’s even worse, is that most of the time, (not all) I KNEW I was making the wrong decision, and even though the Holy Spirit is always guiding us and gives us the power to see God’s RIGHT path, I went against His will and, sure enough, found myself holding that dreaded lemon!
So, I have a new saying that you probably won’t find on Pinterest, or on a cute farmhouse sign. And since it was too long to fit on the painted lemon I made, I may have to use it on something else!
“SOMETIMES ‘LIFE’ GIVES YOU LEMONS; BUT SOMETIMES YOU PICK THEM YOURSELF!”
God is always merciful and even when I’ve made those sour moves in my life, He’s NEVER failed to lead me back into the perfect will He had for me all along!
If you’re struggling with a life decision, remember that even though it may not make sense on the surface or in terms of what this world says is “better” for you, listen to what Jesus is saying. He knows the plans He has for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jesus, I trust in You! God is Love! Be the Light!
Xoxo
Wendy