That’s right – lemonade.
You might be wondering how the one equals the two. See, here’s the thing – life doesn’t always make sense. And as simple as this, is some of us still don’t get it. We feel entitled to a certain type of existence because we believe if you do A and then B, the end result ought to equal C. We've created a formula for a good life.
However, when circumstances don’t add up to our grand expectations, we become confused, scared and completely out of options for the future. I know many of us have been there. Maybe you’re a college or high school grad or maybe you want to start a new business or begin a new career. You feel like God has given you all peaches in what was supposed to be a lemon basket.
You feel stuck with peach fuzz when you expected lemon zest. You wanted lemonade but settled for a peach flavored imitation. If this is you, then I can assure that you’re not alone. I know this place all too well. Being a recent grad myself, the bombardment of questions about life and what to make of it constantly clouds my mind.
The idea of “settling” for a mediocre job that doesn’t remotely coincide with the degree I earned is sickening, but the thought of not being able to do what I love is even more disheartening.
So what do I do with the basket of peaches I’ve been given?
Make Lemonade.
Everyone has an opportunity to create a life that has yet to be lived; one that's brand new and all your own. Every day we have opportunities to take a blank canvas and make something beautiful out of it.
Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out. Can I let you in on a secret: no one does. A wise person once told me this: “We can make our plans, but God determines our steps.”
Be content and seek comfort in knowing that peaches may not be so bad and that lemonade you wanted may not have been so sweet. Take the ingredients you have - your personality, abilities and passions - and make something extraordinary.
No matter what yesterday held, you can always begin again. Today is here and tomorrow awaits.
