Too Many Lemons Not Enough Sugar!

ToO MaNy LeMoNs NoT EnOuGh SuGaR

When life gets you down, either emotionally, physically or it just seems like it’s too much to handle there is hope.  A passage from the bible says “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”   SO what can we learn from this? Let’s look at the definitions

Suffering:  The condition of one who suffers; To feel pain or distress; sustain loss, injury, harm, or punishment

Perseverance:  Steadfast in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering

Character: The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual

Hope:  a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a feeling of trust

When we look at these definitions within this passage, it is clear we are not to bow our heads in sadness, NO, but to press on.  We are to keep our heads held high and keep stepping one foot in front of the other.  We can learn from each circumstance as we go thru in life and it gives us hope for what is to come when we persevere.  So how do we deal with these storms as they blow our way?

PRAY-First of all pray.  Ask others to stand with you in prayer.  Then enemy likes to see us knocked down.  We need to stand tall and stay firm in heavy circumstance.  We can take comfort in our Warrior. He will protect us in the craziest of storms.

SUPPORT-For many years I closed myself off to many people outside my comfort zone. I always felt that I could handle things on my own.  I am finding that it “OK” to let people in.  We all want to help others, and the truth is there are people in your life that want to help you too.  We don’t have to handle all circumstances on our own.  In fact, it is freeing and refreshing to let out our emotions.  Let people from your church know how you are feeling, or what circumstance you are going through.  They can help you get through it and pray for you.

STAY POSITIVE-If you stay positive thru tough circumstances you are able to handle each opposition better. When you are angered by opposition, remember to put yourself in their shoes.  Think about their circumstance and how that affects their mood, facial expression, etc.  Sometimes we handle things differently because our emotions are very surface.

WHAT CAN I TAKE AWAY-I try to always look at what can I take away from each experience.  There is always something we can learn from the sourest of circumstance.  What can we do differently than we did before?  Did I get a chance to say what I needed to say or did I procrastinate and now it’s too late?  Lately it has been laid on my heart to always go for it.  Say what you need to say.  I was always one of those people that would write a sentence and ponder for 5 minutes whether or not I should post.  This is called fear of man, and I still deal with this daily.  The cure is to not let that stop or hinder you.  If there is something that you feel you need to say out of love, say it!  If you want to encourage another, do it! Our minutes are passing each and every day and we may miss our opportunity. 

DON’T PLAY THE VICTIM-We are not defined by the bad stuff going on in our lives.  We did not "deserve it", and it doesn’t mean are paying for it.  For years, I've always thought “Well, that’s just my luck” Well you know what? Life is not about luck, not one little bit.  While we are not in control of our lives, we are in control of our attitude.  If we live in negativity, it will show from the inside out.  Our facial expressions, our posture, even our kids will reflect that negativity.  But, if we choose to live with a good attitude and choose joy, it will also show, and you will be a light to those around you.

STRESS-When we are continually “attacked” with junk, stress can arise out of nowhere.  Don’t lose hope, things will turn around.  Just be aware of it, and take a walk, or maybe an evening to yourself.  If I’m feeling stressed even my home can seem overwhelming with all the noise.  If I just take a moment go for a walk or a hot bath by myself, with a cup of tea, everything fades, and things seem less hectic.  Always be open an honest to your spouse or significant other to how you are feeling.

Life is full of good times, and sometimes can be full of lemon trees.  The main thing is to not to let it get you down.  Keep your light shining and don’t fall into a trap of negativity.  So what do you do when you have too many lemons, and not enough sugar?  USE HONEY J

Just don’t give up, don’t give in. If you don’t quit, you’ll win –Misty Edwards