Photo by Aleviva-Medien
Thought for the Week
Be quick to protest when you see others treated wrongly–and slow to protest on your own behalf. Rather, learn to use what happens to change your circumstances. Here’s a brief account of one of the greatest lemonade-makers of all time:
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37-50). Reaction? He focused on what he was best at and rose to prominence in a wealthy landowner’s house. But then he was falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison. Reaction? He used his skills to help his fellow prisoners, even his jailor, and came to the attention of the most powerful man in the world, the Egyptian Pharaoh. He aided Pharaoh, and became a great leader, helping thousands – even his own brothers.
Some Key Thoughts
- It’s attitude, not circumstances, that determines our destiny: “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” ~Charles Swindoll
- Don’t focus on what happened: “It ought to be plain how little you gain / by getting excited and vexed. / You’ll always be late for the previous train / and always on time for the next.” ~Piet Hein
- Embrace the challenge: When things come easy, life is dull and predictable (rich kids are notoriously unhappy). A life that is difficult and challenging, is far more meaningful. The world’s greatest stories are about overcoming odds — make your life one of those stories! “Problems worthy of attack prove their worth by fighting back.” ~Piet Hein
- Hike up your courage and press on: “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” ~Rosa Parks
- Stay focused: “Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you.” ~Zig Ziglar
- Take action: “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” ~John Wooden
- Be a model: Rather than resenting or paying his brothers back, Joseph modelled forgiveness and showed them—and untold numbers of others—a better way:
“’Don’t be afraid,” (he told them), ‘am I in the place of God? Yes, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives…’ And so Joseph reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph lived a long and meaningful life.
Will we?
Mitch Teemley 
This reminds me of my Grandma Leora, who lived through so much hardship and so many losses. She lived another four decades after losing three sons during WWII and being widowed, but she was such a delight as a grandmother!
LikeLiked by 7 people
Joseph’s forgiveness towards his brothers to me is the most beautiful story in the Old Testament.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too, Bob. There’s a reason it encompasses so many chapters.
LikeLike
EXACTLY the thought I needed today. Thanks for that refreshing drink of lemonade, Mitch.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Russell.
LikeLike
Mitch, what a beautiful post about forgiveness and fortitude. Your words and quotes of wisdom and truth are so encouraging! Several of the quotes are some of my favorites. I want to live a long and meaningful life by remembering and doing all the key thoughts you shared. Thank you for blessing us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My privilege, Karla.
LikeLiked by 1 person
genesis 25:45 as you did not of the least, you did not to me
do you mean genesis 50:25 not 50:20-22
genesis 50:22 says a broken spirit dries up the fruit of the spirit
genesis 45:25 if not genesis 25:45
genesis 50:45-47
LikeLike
I’ll work on this, Mitch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mitch, here are * * * * * (five more stars) this deserves ten.
I needed this reminder today. Oh, how much I desire to always accept and live the life of Christ in me, so that, my responses reflect a meaningful and purposeful life that magnifies and points to HIM.
Thank you for heeding the Spirits prompting in sharing these thoughts.
LikeLiked by 3 people
My privilege, Manette. So glad it spoke to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When one centers on one’s self there is no room for anything else, in time you will find life confined in your own mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
got change for a 25 dollar bill & a 45 dollar bill
LikeLike
Truth!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Damyanti.
LikeLike
Thank you, Mitch, for the reminder. Love all of this post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again, Mitch! Your story is my story (with only minor revisions); e.g. while my boyhood home had no AC, its cellar (averaging 72ºF / 22ºC) did keep us cool even during Michigan’s worst heatwaves. And, even tho we had no drive-by Paperback Guy, the same literary gems were readily available; all for free (uh, unless library late fees kicked in).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like your Response got posted here by mistake, Tom. It’s also under today’s blog, which is obviously where you meant it to be. Although (literal) lemonade is pretty great during the summer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So long as I’ve arrived here, in error, I might as well post something more relevant to this thread. Your inspirational post reminds that the more meaningful approach to life is to think of it more as the buffet table; not the servant presented golden platter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Pingback: When Life Gives You Lemons… – Uncoffined