When Life Gives You Lemons

By Tama Bankhead, Operations Assistant

A few years ago I was at the pregnancy crisis center that I had been volunteering with for a while.  It was a normal day, very busy, lots of people coming and going (this location also helped people that needed community service hours, a food pantry and children’s clothing, to name a few).  My phone was running low so I plugged it in to recharge then stepped away from my desk for a few minutes.  When I came back, my phone and charger had been reassigned to another owner.  Someone had stolen it!

My knee-jerk reaction was disbelief and anger.  This was a place of service to many in need; a Christ-centered and focused location, and someone had the nerve to steal my phone.  Then the Holy Spirit stepped in and reminded me of this verse:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

After praying (and counting to 10, ok, maybe 20, or more) I decided I would not allow this to sow a seed of discontent in my soul.  I mean, compared to other stuff happening in the world, in my own life even, this was nothing.  I’d just get a new phone (I didn’t even upgrade!) and realize that the world is a messy, sometimes sour place, but I don’t have to let that steal my joy of living, serving, and working in a fallen world.  Besides, if I don’t have the opportunity to come in contact with those that don’t know how to live out 1 Thes. 5:16-18, I’m missing out on fulfilling my purpose of being a shining light to others.  So, when life gives you lemons, don’t just make lemonade. Remember to give thanks for the opportunity to make it.