We've all heard that phase, turning lemons into lemonade. But the process of doing that is a little more difficult.
Just think of it from the lemons perspective!
It must be squeezed till all that makes it a lemon is squeezed out, then it must be diluted down and then finally sweetened, chilled and served.
Col 4: 5 says it like this "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity." (NIV) The 'making the most of every opportunity', is what hit me. I believe KJV says "To redeem the time."
In Vine's it says of this verse and the word REDEEM: "buying up the opportunity. "Redeeming the time," Time being "a season" i.e. Making the most of every opportunity, turning each to the best advantage since not can be recalled if missed.
The actual process by which I turn this lemon of time I'm in right now into something sweet and refreshing is the part that's really hard. I guess it gets down to am I going to get bitter or better, the only difference in those two words is "i". It's up to me. Can I make the most of this time? Will I? Should I? Yes, I really should. The will and can is up to me.
Can I make the most of packing my husbands clothes up and sending him off to a nursing home almost 4 hours away, where, I know I won't be able to see him very often. Can I be still be a blessing to him, and those he now will encounter? Lord please help me to be. Will all that makes me a lemon be squeezed out and made into a refreshing drink? Lord please help me! I want to refresh and encourage others that they too can make it through even their darkest nights. There is a dawn someday, and a new day. Let the joy come in the morning!
Lately, I feel I've been squeeze and squeezed, and hit over and over. I certainly don't know the 'whys' and hard times in life are probably not over (they really don't end till we die). But there is one thing I know has remained true through it all. That I can still rejoice in my Lord. Rejoice for all this? NO! But rejoice in it. There is a big difference. "Yeh, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me." I want you to know, I have no intentions of setting up camp in this valley, I'm walking THROUGH it. And He's with me.
Way to go Kelley! When I asked you to call me I had a word to give of comfort and strength because the LORD wanted to lift the crushing and pour His power and love back into you and into this situation until He resolves it; and I see that Jesus has shown you this very thing and you are embracing it!! So proud of you for embracing the cross and the hope of the resurrection all at the same time...honestly it is the same way Jesus overcame it (Isa. 53) and the only way we can without getting bogged down and impaled with sorrow where we can't / won't move forward. You are "looking unto Jesus" and He will pull you through (to quote Maryiann - part of the quote). And I will join you in the prayer and fight for faith and steadfastness. You are an overcomer in the midst of the battle. And again, I am so thankful to see you take this position in the love power and sanity of the Holy Spirit! Much love, Rita
ReplyDeleteKelley--Is there a way you can make a video, or make copies of past family videos that the staff may be able to put in for Todd. I would guess that other people there would enjoy videos of your singing regardless of their level of cognition. That would keep you close to Todd when you can't be there and it would certainly be a blessing to those around him. It's just a thought that might help processing those lemons. Praying that the staff there is caring!
ReplyDeleteKelley you are so much stronger then you know. Right now you don't see it because you are walking through it. Everyone that is following your blogs know how strong you are being!!!! You are also ministering to people on many levels, as I being one of them. You words are deep and strong. Love you always!!!!! You will make lemonade!!! You truly do have a ministry to many and many more to come!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKelley, yes I so agree with your post. And love all the replies you have gotten. Cling to Him - there will be a "lemonade" that is so refreshing come out. Keep looking at Him for your strength, and a peace that the world does not give, and a joy that is beyond our circumstances. The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy, but Jesus has come to give life and that more abundantly. And when we are in those time of the enemy trying his best - we know that God has a different plan and our hope is in Him, there are victories coming. Living in hope even though we don't yet see - there is where the lemonade is made. Love you so much, praying for lots of encouragement and strengthening. ((((hugs)))) Brenda Williams
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