The optimistic adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is a fabulous motivator. It can be a gamechanger in even the most difficult situations. But…
I am sitting in my car sipping on my half-lemonade-half-sweet-tea. I finished my errand and am getting ready to drive away when a very cool black and white abstract print catches my eye. A young couple had emerged from the store with a couple bags and the 4′ x 6′ canvas.
They stop in front of a compact, four-door car. They exchange glances and laugh a little. So do I in the privacy of my own car. This should be good.
They pop the trunk. Slide the print in. About four of the six foot length hang out. They pull it out. He reaches in and moves things around. It’s looking promising … he is in the trunk up to his waist. Second try. Three feet of the print still hang in thin air.
They open the side doors. No more smiles. He tries to diagonal the print into the back seat. He moves the front seat forward.
A car pulls into the parking space next to me blocking my view. I move my car. This is too good to miss.
The couple pull a blanket, pillows, and stuff out of the back seat. Several items now lay in the parking lot next to the rear tire. She is not looking so happy. He is looking more determined. Must be his print. They try again. No can do.
Bent at the waist and gesturing arms … the conversation cannot be good. I’m a little sad for the lonely print now leaning against the car. The trunk gets slammed shut. She snatches her purse before slamming her side door. She grabs the print and awkwardly huffs back to the store. With shoulders slumped he gets in the car and waits for her to return the print.
No lemonade here. Sometimes when life give you lemons…well, you have lemons. Sour, disappointing lemons.
Everyone tells us to look at the bright side. Sometimes, though, the bright side is very difficult to find. The couple with the print … went home without the print. Lemons.
Indeed, lemons are a part of life. Grow with them. We can learn from the seemingly sour setbacks of life. Lemonade is not always an immediate option. And, it’s ok.
