Our fun family tradition on Fridays is having a pizza and movie night. Our kids decide on the movie we’ll watch, while my husband and I order the pizza for a relaxing evening together. It has been a great way for us to unwind from the week and share some hearty laughs.
The past month has been a period of unexpected transition for our family. With transition comes change, which feels sad and challenging occasionally. So with the changes we’ve had to make, it seemed as if we would have to omit this tradition during this period. As I’ve been looking to the Lord for help in each moment, a simple idea came to mind: we could just make pizza ourselves.
I literally had to pinch myself as I watched my family in action last Friday. One was in charge of the dough. One was in charge of the baking. One spread the sauces. One placed the toppings. One cut the slices. While this assembly line was in progress, there was lively music playing which everyone was singing and dancing to. We had so much fun and my heart was filled with gratitude and praise!
All I could think about was the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In other words, when facing a difficult circumstance, make the best of it. I think it’s a cute saying, but I don’t think it’s so easy to walk out when in the thick of a tough time … unless you look to the Lord for help and strength.
When we read the book of Ruth, we learn about this woman who was young and happily married until her husband passed away. Sadly, her father-in-law and husband’s brother died, too. How devastating! But Ruth’s response to this “lemon” illustrates this saying so beautifully. Not only did she choose to remain with her mother-law Naomi whom she loved, but she also found a menial job to support them and worked diligently. Her decision to “make lemonade” in the midst of heartache and sorrow resulted in being noticed by a wealthy, honorable man Boaz. He married her and they had a son Obed who we read is in the lineage of Jesus.
Friend, maybe you have a “lemon” you are dealing with right now. Your heart is broken and you are wondering how on earth you can “make lemonade”. You don’t have to do it by yourself. Ask God for help and He will show you ways to make the best of this situation. I trust that the same God who provided for Ruth will provide for you, too.
James 1:12 (NIV) reminds us that “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
As for George Party of 5, we have decided that when life gives you lemons, make pizza!
~Joyce
*Photo credit: Unsplash
