“When Life Gives You Lemons...”

When life gives me lemons,

I thank life for the donation to my lemonade and lemon cake fund.

And I will gladly accept your lemons too.

You may donate them in whatever way you wish. I hear some of you prefer to throw them, and I accept this form of transaction. I also accept lemons by the bushel, basket, or carload.

I have only one request to make of those who choose to donate their lemons to my stock:

When I have gathered together all the other ingredients (at no cost to you, my friends, for I will gladly shoulder that cost myself), I only ask that you share with me the victuals (alternative non-lemon treats will be available as well).

Then, if you walk away with a smile and a content belly, I will rejoice.

If I can take your bitter burdens, sour sorrows, tart tribulations, acerbic agitations, or caustic confrontations, and make of them something dignified and sweet...if I can do just one thing to give you joy amidst your suffering...

I will gladly accept all of life's donations, and any you offer as well.

And I will be grateful for them too,

(I might even send you a thank-you note)

for every lemon I receive is a seed of compassion.

I sow each in my wintery heart, and water them faithfully with my own tears.

And then together, I hope, we can enjoy the harvest: lemonade and lemon cake on a warm, ever-so-hopeful, spring morning.