When Life Gives You Lemons

It is always sad to hear about employment despair beyond the ordinary; today a man killed himself, his wife and 5 children apparently because he and his wife had lost their jobs. It is always hard to fathom why someone would bring themselves to such a horrible conclusion after a hard-fought life and so many children. The collapse of the economy has created a death spiral for many, from the uber-rich to the little man; the collateral damage continues to increase creating tragic circumstances for some.

Economic sustainability is major driving force behind our very existence; that which drives us to materialism and spending beyond our means and ultimately greed and on the downside can drive us into debt, deception, degradation and/or despondency and associated tragic consequences. Yet, we are supposed to adhere to the creed, when life gives us lemons, make lemonade, but positive thinking does not solve everything for everybody. As the job losses mount, there will be more collateral damage; this is unfortunate. The fall from grace in a modern world is no longer secret; it is broadcast by any outlet that can get its hands on the video if it is newsworthy and sometimes even if it is not.

It is so easy to forget to be happy for being alive; everyday life can be quite overwhelming at times, leading us down the wrong road before we see the miracles or tragedies that remind us to treasure the little things. Unfortunately we forget the same just as quickly and we are back out shouting at the poor sod who is driving 55mph when we want to go 70mph even though he/she is obeying the law. Daily the world strips us of our compassion but we diligently continue to go on because we want to find out how we turn out; will we succeed to be the people we want to be?

I used to have a co-worker who was a part-time minister and he sent a daily email with a scripture-based lesson that always concluded with the refrain, "let go and let god." I always found that refrain fascinating in its simplicity though I, myself, cannot reach that type of purity; I steadfastly attempt to exercise too much control, against the better wishes of the believers. We are supposed to be thanking god for each meal and for each day we arise and yet sadness, despair and the lack of hope can quickly overtake our very beings when our economic condition is threatened.

It is the end of the world and it is not the end of the world; our stock portfolios and retirement plans are half full and we have to believe the market will rise and if it does not, then what? Making lemonade though sweet, delicious and refreshing may not be enough for some of us.