Lemonade

        About two years ago, I got a new car. Actually it was better than new. It was used, with only a few thousand miles on it; which meant we got a really good deal on it… or so we thought.   I was really enjoying this car. It was the perfect size, a smaller SUV; which was a step down from my large SUV. It was nice and roomy inside, plenty of cargo space and better gas mileage. Well, not long after we got it, it started breaking down. It got to the point we had to call a tow truck to come pick it up about twice a week. They would tow it to the dealership; they would fix it up and then call us to come pick it up. After a few days, the same cycle would happen again. It seems the engine could not cool properly. The gauges would show the engine getting steaming hot, and stuff would pour out of the bottom. We knew we had a lemon, but we had to wait out the process. Eventually the dealership would have to agree with us and legally declare it a lemon.

           So, one day (when it was supposedly fixed) I took the boys and our cousin for a fun-filled day at the beach. On our way home we took the windiest canyon of all, Decker. We had made our way to the top of the canyon when all of a sudden the red lights were flashing and the check engine light was blaring. Smoke or steam (not sure which) started to come out from under the hood. We quickly pulled over and jumped out of the car. I knew my car might be lost, but I didn’t want to have to replace beach chairs on top of that. So we quickly got everything that wasn’t nailed down, out of the car and then moved a bit away (in case it exploded). I called my husband and he called the tow truck, again. Now, while we were waiting, we could have been pretty bummed out, but instead we turned it into a party of sorts. We unfolded our beach chairs, opened the cooler, got out some snacks and drinks. As we sat there relaxing, cars would drive by periodically. We began waving and clapping and hooting and hollering hello to everyone that passed by. Everyone would wave, smile, honk and holler back, but no one ever stopped to see if we needed help. I guess we looked like we were day camping on the side of the road on purpose, since we were having such a good time. Eventually the tow truck did come and eventually our car was declared a lemon and we got our money back. Everything turned out just fine.

         So that’s my story of how to take a lemon and make lemonade, by taking a bad situation and turning it into a fun memory. More important than that is the testimony I can offer when I am not sidetracked or knocked off balance as trials come. The way I handle difficult situations can bring glory to God, if I let what is truly important guide my reactions. Do I always react this well? Unfortunately, no. But it sure is nicer when I do.

"The joy of the Lord is my strength”, Nehemiah 8:10