“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” According to Wikipedia this “proverbial phrase is used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest sourness or difficulty in life; making lemonade is turning them into something positive or desirable.” This statement was initially coined by Christian anarchist writer Elbert Hubbard , a Christian anarchist, in an obituary he wrote in 1915.
Having a good attitude in the midst of a trial or adversity is a positive thing…until we can no longer conjure it up. In order to be sustainable, our personal will and thoughts, need to be placed in hope. Hope in a good and great God, a force bigger than ourselves, bigger than the universe. True power lies with the Creator of the universe. Knowing God is with us and He sits on the throne empowers believers to move forward with hope.
Hope is born from faith in a powerful God in whom we can trust.
In the midst of this pandemic, we have a choice: to choose fear or to rise above it. Sometimes that choice is day by day or even moment by moment. There are two sides to F.E.A.R.: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. (I don’t know who created this acronym, I’d love to credit the source.) Fear can make us flee or freeze. But faith, faith rises above fear, and propels us forward with hope.
Here are 5 faith-filled Ingredients to include in our Corona Lemonade. These will elements help us redeem the quarantine.
F Face the Day: Before getting out of bed, pray a prayer regarding how you would like to approach the day. “Father, your mercies are new every morning. Even though I feel weak, I receive your strength to face the day.”
A Awareness of stress triggers in yourself and your kids. Basic needs that are not met (like lack of sleep or hunger) and an inconsistent and unpredictable schedule can add to stress. Create a routine. Make each day of the week have similar components and then something special to differentiate the days.
I Influences that are negative. Watching the news can cause added stress. Instead choose input that is hopeful and will help you rise to the occasion. The book of Psalms is very powerful. In the Psalms we see God’s victory in the battle.
T Take time to be thankful. Gratefulness alters our perspective. Each day discuss or journal about 3 things for which you are thankful. Be content and thankful for what is rather than focusing on what isn’t.
H Happiness. Add joy to your day. Dance, sing, play with your dog, hike, color, cook. What brings you joy? What makes you laugh? C.S.Lewis says, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” Get serious about bringing happiness home.
Serve this Corona lemonade to your family. Teach your kids how to include these ingredients in their daily life. Adversity is a part of life. As parents it is up to us to show, equip, and come alongside our kids to help them navigate this time.
Do more than talk about how to make this recipe.
Do more than model how to make the lemonade.
Yes, talk about how. Yes, show them how. And most importantly, come alongside your kids to offer assistance and assurance as they mix the ingredients.
We are created for connection. Perhaps now we can really see how true that statement is. Let’s hold our kid’s hands as we lead them through this time. They are looking to us to see how to navigate this messy life.
OK, so mix up that Corona lemonade and share it with your family and friends!
With faith, hope, and love,
Lori
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen.
Hebrews 11:1
© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.
