When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. It’s certainly that time of year, in the literal sense. I’ve encountered quite a few sidewalk lemonade stands so far this summer, at least—and it always brings me so much joy seeing all those inspired and excited young entrepreneurs!
In the proverbial sense, on the other hand…in my own life, I’m still learning how to find the joy in that. Making proverbial lemonade out of proverbial lemons is not as fun as setting up a summertime lemonade stand in your front yard. Hardships, trials, “lemons”—they may leave us questioning what God’s plan may be. Where God is leading us. Making this “lemonade” involves a lot of trust in God, trust in what we cannot yet see or conceptualize. Easier said than done, sometimes. But our faith reminds us that through God, we are well equipped to make that kind of lemonade and that we are not alone in navigating that process. God is right there with us.
Gracefully accepting redirection and faithfully embracing it despite not knowing where it is leading is a journey that I have been on in my own life recently. It is a work in process, one full of prayer and reflection. But, as I’ve learned, there is joy to be found in the process, too!
As a church, we are juggling a few proverbial lemons right now. This has been said time and time again and we know what these lemons are. But with every issue of Canada Lutheran, I am reminded that collectively, we are not stuck and stumped over our lemons! Testament to how our church is adapting, growing and making great lemonade can be consistently seen within the pages of each issue of Canada Lutheran. This issue, “A story of redevelopment” (p. 28) and “Reframing: with the help and wisdom of our synod staff” (p. 25) offer valuable insights in this regard, as well as Bishop Ali and Bishop Jason in their respective columns.
Our feature this issue explores service ministry, a core aspect of our Lutheran faith, identity and mission. If you’re curious about how the first annual ELCIC Day of Action was observed beyond your own congregation, this feature also provides a great overview on the events of the day! Coast to coast, we had many participating congregations across the country, including over 85 registered congregations, engage in acts of service to our communities beyond church walls, which is so amazing to see!
Whether the lemonade you are making this summer is with real or proverbial lemons (or both!), I wish you joy in the process!
Sarah Malina
Editor
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