Lemons are a favorite taste among most of us. Think of how often we enjoy things like lemon meringue pie, lemon drop candies, and of course, lemonade in the summer. Cooks use it in all sorts of mouth-watering recipes. And, of course, some people, but not all, like the taste of lemon on fish. If we travel through the very warm states of California, Arizona, and Texas, we will see the numerous crops of nearly all of the citrus fruits, except oranges and grapefruits which are grown mainly in Florida. Right about now, our mouths are probably puckering up just thinking about juicy wonders.
Seeing Ourselves
Other than foods, when we consider how we affect others in our everyday connections, we may make others think about the sour taste of lemons. It’s a trait we may wish to change, but sometimes, we do not even recognize we have such a characteristic. An actor once said, “I don’t think of myself like other people see me” and this could very well be true of all of us at certain times.
We prefer to see ourselves as sweet and agreeable. Maybe most days we are just like that description. If we grew up with a mother or relative that we adored and sincerely loved, we wanted to be just like her. So we imitated her gentle disposition and the manner in which she came into contact with friends, family, and strangers alike.
But maybe being kind, sweet, and thoughtful wasn’t our natural tendency and we had to really practice and work at it. We didn’t have the adults around us that could give us a good example of such a person. As adulthood approached with all its ups and downs, difficulties, and adversities, it changed us or, at the very least, brought out the worse in us.
The type of job one has also trains us to become whatever a particular industry expects. Yes, employers do want employees who demonstrate kindness to customers or clients at all times, but global competition is the main focus in many--if not most--companies. From senior vice presidents and managers to waitresses, cab drivers, and grocery clerks, we all understand what it takes to keep a job.
Where There Is a Way
Unless we find ways to relax, balance work and home life, and strive to enjoy life, our opposing tendencies can get the better of us. We then, unknowingly, take it out on each other. Instead of listening with courtesy, speaking with love, and reaching out with forgiveness to each other, the measurement of our sour and bitter attitude can and will turn others away from us. This is exactly the opposite of what we really need in our lives, as we entirely miss the opportunities to combat loneliness, experience love, grow in faith, and expand hope. Let’s try something different:
Parakeet Companions Find the cause of our discontent: change jobs; get caregiver or babysitting help; speak with a counselor- Escape the house: get out with friends; vary housekeeping schedule with fun activities; take an interesting class
- Get a companion: if the house is too quiet, get a roommate; a pet; turn music on every day; or start dating again
- No overtime: arrange work duties so that overtime is kept to a minimum; spend quality time with others; skip the laundry and give yourself a facial
- Goals: make time now to finally accomplish your life-long passion
The Door Is Always Open
Changing attitudes is certainly not easy. It takes practice day in and day out. The one place we can affect our own outlook on life is when we are spending quiet time with God. It’s an everyday experience and he will not fail to bring us to a whole new level of peace and joy. We can do it anyplace, anytime and it costs absolutely nothing other than minutes we carve out for our own well-being. He’s waiting and He has the answers!
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. Proverbs 14:10 (NIV)
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