I like lemondade. But I don’t make it often. Or at least I should say, I don’t make it often enough! No, I’m not talking literally about the drink, I’m talking about making the best of situations in life. As in the adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
I think news media has a lot to do with the lack of lemonade in our lives. You read daily about people who have a bad situation, and do not make the best of it. Most often, they just sue someone, or complain, or protest. Take that nut-case, what’s-her-name, the crazy lady who lost a son in Iraq. Rather than work for good, she protests, draws attention to herself, criticizes, but has nothing contructive to say. There’s an article in the local paper today. Basically a tragic situation where a security guard shot and killed an innocent kid. Is the mother making lemonade–the best of–the situation? No, she’s suing the apartment complex. That will go a far way in bringing her son back, won’t it??
Where do we get this idea that money is the cure for everything? It is not! The best things in life may not be free, but they don’t have to cost money. They may, however, cost blood, sweat, and tears. Take the case of John Walsh of “America’s Most Wanted” fame. His son was tragically murdered. Did Walsh sit back and cry? Did he protest at city hall for not having enough police? Did he sue someone, anyone? No! He took the lemons life gave him and he made lemonade! He made a difference. He wanted to make sure others did not have to go through what he did, and he has accomplished that, many, many times over. And he did this without once suing, or protesting, or marching about it. He took action, positive action. Yes, I suppose he has attained some fame and fortune because of this, but that’s not what he set out to seek. He set out to make a difference, and he did–and life has rewarded him greatly for this.
So, I must say that I have to agree with the old adage, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” If you don’t, you’ll just become an old sourpuss like that lady, the nut case, what’s-her-name. If you do make lemonade, you can change the world, or at least a little part of it, and change it for the better. We need more people focusing on changing the world, and less people focused on self-importance.
If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!