"What do you do when life gives you lemons?" Hmmm... I would love to say "Make lemonade" but sometimes that just isn't feasible. Attitude plays a major role in life but sometimes that won't get you through the day.
This has been the worst year of my life in every aspect imaginable. I have lived through injuries, unimaginable economic struggles, joblessness, friend fatalities, bad grades, sub par spirituality, and regrettable romantic encounters only to say that I am still here and standing. If someone would have told me that I was going to deal with what I dealt with this past year, I would have told them that I can't. Now I must say that the word "can't" should not be in my vocabulary. I am beyond strong; I am real. I recognize my weaknesses and can rely on others (whom have earned my trust) to be there for me when I am not at my best. I cannot always smile, but having someone there who can distinguish my generic smile from my genuine one is irreplaceable.
Outside of immediate family, I have brothers whose love for my has been tested time and time again and still they have stood true. They know what I am going to do before I do it. When I go to the club, they know how many drinks it's going to be before I need to be reminded that my shirt is meant to stay on for the night. They know what my facial expressions look like when I have just argued with someone I care about. They know when I'm BSing when I say "Yeah, I did my homework." My brothers, though most of them do share the letters I wear on my heart, are not all members of my Greek-letter organization. Some have known me for 20 years, some for 2. But at the end of the day, when life has given me lemons, they've provided the aid.
It's not always a cookie-cutter relationship. Real love means that you can't always be nice. Real love means you have to be honest. When I am not living up to my potential, my brothers will tell me. When I am falling short of the high expectations which I have set for myself, they will be the first to let me know. I am far from a perfect man and that is why I need them. I love my lady friends who keep me in line as well, but there is nothing like having a brother to really let you know that you need to take an honest inventory of yourself and refocus.
The aid provided by my brothers in times of need is what really makes lemonade. Without them, life would just be bland.
Today is the day; how are you going to act?
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Deryle... This was really good!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to the distinguishing generic and genuine comment(Favorite quote). All in all life is a journey and regardless of what happens along the journey what matters is how you choose to deal with it... I believe every person you encounter in life is there for a reason whether it be minor or for more significant reasons.I believe God places people in our lives to serve various purposes, and for some after they have fulfilled their purpose God removes them from are lives in different ways..
I guess it's a learning and growing experience...
Oh BTW...This is B.Maul