Optimism is defined in Merriam-Webster's dictionary as an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome. Wow, why even the definition sounds so upbeat and positive! I just love it. But I love the challenge of the application of optimism more. You see it's precisely the remedy for the various maladies of life. It's copious use can greatly alter the situations we are already in or getting into or coming out of and it will greatly determine the path we will travel from that point on. Great you say, sounds good to me! I'll have a double scoop of that. Alrighty then step right up and get your helping. But use caution, as too much optimism may cause excessive jealousy, suspicion, envy and criticism from friends, coworkers and even family. Why would you or I want to bear the scorn of people thinking we are nuts or on drugs because we are so happy and upbeat and positive. Wouldn't it better or easier to blend in with all the other misery loves company crowd? It's like the lone fish that swims upstream against the tide. Just go with flow man, right down the proverbial sewer. Be a lemming! Ok, enough of my parabolic extended prose here let me explain.
These last three years or so my family and I have had a lot of personal testing. From the collapse of my real estate business, to the loss of our home, many possessions and money, the untimely death of my loving dad and just recently the loss of our faithful lab Gideon. We been pushed, pulled, humbled and at times knocked down but never defeated. In the midst of our sorrow we chose to make a whole bunch of lemonade and we've learned to enjoy and share it abundantly. God's recipe for perfect lemonade is just three ingredients. Lemons for the sour or bitter things that life affords sometimes, sugar for sweetness of God's promises to carry us through, and water to flow into us and then through us to share the wonder and power of the overcoming glory that is Jesus Christ For out of every single tear and seemingly inconsolable disappointment came the wonderful grace of God's lemonade, blessing. Blessing because my family and I have chosen to hold on to the hope of the promises of the optimist Himself, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! There are no man made doctrines or laws or governing documents that have ever been produced that give so graciously to the joyful healing of broken people as the testimony, life and ministry of Jesus. Christianity is the only belief system that gives so abundantly with out asking anything to qualify for it in return. Salvation was costly to God but is free to us. It's the greatest gift ever given. The ministry of Jesus established the path for all of us to walk on, His death accomplished the forgiveness and payment of our sins, and His resurrection establishes the hope, glory and everlasting kingdom of joy, peace and happiness that is to come. Or as my Uncle Joe used to say, "Put that in your pipe and smoke it!" Our world today is in dire shape and needs good news, The Good News. So here's my suggestion to you. Get to know Him who knows you. Read His Word, lean on His promises and accept His gift of salvation. You will find yourself smiling more, loving more and caring more for those around you and you'll be surprised how often you have a pitcher of lemonade in the frig when those that thirst stop by.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
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