We’re rightly encouraged to make the most of life’s difficulties. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But often this approach remains shortsighted – focused only on overcoming our individual struggles. A better approach is allowing our situation to bless others and not just ourselves – planting seeds in addition to making lemonade.
Naturally, our immediate concern is how particular issues impact us personally. And it’s hard to think about the future when we’re just trying to make it through the day. As such, it’s not wrong to first consider how to make lemonade out of the lemons given to us. This brings much needed relief and refreshment to our souls.
All the same, ideally this reprieve allows us a moment to step back and gain perspective. And instead of just considering how to personally sweeten the bitterness of life, we can also use the lessons we’ve learned to bless the lives of others. We don’t just make lemonade, we plant seeds and let others enjoy the benefits that came from our struggles.
For instance, this might simply be sharing our story so others can learn from the things we’ve been through. Or it might mean starting a business or ministry that addresses the problem we had to contend with. And it might also include teaching, coaching, or otherwise mentoring others as they face similar challenges.
Whatever it looks like, planting seeds is using our struggles as a means to pour into the lives of others. We don’t stay focused merely on overcoming ourselves, but rather eagerly look for opportunities to also leverage our pain as a way to bless others.
To be sure, we shortchange the positive impact of our struggles when we limit it to just making things better for ourselves.
In the end, don’t just make lemonade, plant seeds and let the bitterness you’ve endured bless the lives of many others as well.
Photo by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash
