Lemons

"be transformed by the renewing of your mind." ~ Romans 12:2

Several years ago, as a white elephant gag gift, I gave my nephew a bundle of sticks for Christmas. I'm sure I gave him another gift earlier in the day, but he only remembers the sticks and this season told his mother that the worst Christmas he ever had was when his aunt gave him sticks. At the time, nobody said anything to me about it as it was in the spirit of the giving at that time, but I sure heard about it through the grapevine this year!

 

As I thought about it, I wondered if perhaps his focus on the negative aspects of the sticks was a reflection of some guilt on his part. I also thought of the opportunities he wasted because he only focused on the negative instead of the positive. How many times do I do that too, when somebody hurts my feelings?

 

You've heard the saying "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!" As I pondered this, I wondered what wounds I could sweeten up? I could open my hand and let the negative flow out and turn my hand to make something better from it. Humm! Sticks, creative opportunities here! They could be burned to keep me warm, made into a log-type birdhouse, made into chew toys for rodents or large birds, chipped to make paper for cards, etc.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for forgiveness and grace between nephew and me. Renew our minds too. Amen!

 

 

Today's Quote: "I'd like to encourage you take off your blinders and see the whole spectrum of possibilities." ~ Annie Lockhart.