Sunday had a weird twist to it…a "lemon twist," actually. Walking into church (and marginally late), I was immediately greeted by a fellow parishioner. He asked if I wanted a heavy bag of lemons? Apparently another parishioner had picked an overabundance of lemons. I love lemons and told him yes. Because of the late time, he put them somewhere in one of the back rooms. It was a festive day, with a visiting bishop and New Member official ceremony simultaneously happening.
After the service, I felt very tired and left to go get some needed groceries at Trader Joe's (about a mile away from church). Going up the hill…I realized, "Shoot-I forgot those lemons!" I headed back right away, only to find all the lemons were snatched up. Some people had several. I could see why. Upon examination, these were the largest lemons I've seen in my life! Each one was at least the size of two large lemons…these lemons had been on steroid plant food or something! Oh well, I just figured, "Ya snooze…ya lose…" No big deal. I was a little taken aback though. It seems more fair that everyone should have taken just one… and later gotten another if still available.
Later at home, I received an unexpected (and rare) phone call. from my ailing older friend from AZ. She was checking up on me, as I'd mentioned some health concerns, one being my worsening eyesight. She was wondering, "Would a corneal transplant help?" She said she would give me her corneas…she would make sure her corneas only went to me!
An interesting contrast immediately came to my mind. Here was my ailing friend, taking the time and breath energy- to offer me her corneas! She isn't a church goer. She is a person who struggles mightily at times, with her faith. Yet her generosity, far surpassed my fellow church members today…after a service emphasizing giving to others…
God made lemonade when I wasn't even handed a single lemon today!
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 English Standard Version
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