Chapel Time

Thought I'd share the meditation I wrote for chapel a few weeks ago. As a staff member at CRUMC we have to share a message at least once a year. It's one of those things you love and hate at the same time. You have to present in front of 50 very spiritually strong and Biblically knowledgeable/educated people. It's just a little intimidating, but thankfully everyone understands and is very supportive. I actually enjoy writing...I love to see a document or a speech come together and fine tune it. It's like putting together a puzzle. Here is what I came up with....

You’ve heard the saying when there is a will there’s a way? Well, today I’m going to talk about what my sweet daughter taught me a few weekends ago when her strong will led her to set up her first lemonade stand.

We went down to Conroe to visit my husband’s family. They were having a big party to celebrate teacher’s retirement, a new home and turning the big 6-0. This was the kind of party where all hands were on deck – we were all put to work with food prep, cleaning, decorating, yard work – it was a big to-do. Hannah, who was 5 at the time, was put in charge of serving lemonade during the party. She did great – she had all the cups poured to the brim and lined up on the table. She sat ready and waiting and was gracious when handing them to guests. Well, the next morning she mentioned to the family that she wanted to set up a lemonade stand. Uncle Jim, the lawyer in the family, gave her lesson on price points and how much she should charge. It was definitely over her head, but this just got her more excited. Now some of you know Hannah – she’s a determined little girl, a negotiator …all day she was asking us if she set up this lemonade stand. Mind you it was June and we were in the hot and humid Houston weather. We were exhausted from the party so we kept stalling and putting her off. Finally, after rest time Grandma and I gave in and we poured the left over lemonade into a pitcher, got our supplies and Hannah made her sign. We were ready! We set up our stand in the backyard which backs up to a golf course….it was the perfect location.

Lesson Learned: Hannah’s determination to complete tasks inspires me. But even more so is Jesus’ example. I found this passage in Max Lacado’s book, ‘Grace for the Moment’. It really spoke to me. He says when we are tired and ready to give up (which I don’t know about you, it happens multiple times a week), we should think about what Jesus had to endure. In Hebrews 12:3 it says, “Consider Him who endures such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.” How encouraging is that? Put ourselves in Jesus’ shoes when we are frustrated. Think about it…Jesus was the only person to live on earth after he was in Heaven so he knew the joy of God. When he was enduring the evil things people were doing to him, he focused on the treasures of Heaven. We should do the same in tough times, focus on the prize so we not only finish the race but finish it strong. Allow Jesus to be your inspiration.

It started off rough…the first customer was a little grumpy and didn’t want any lemonade. The next customer said he didn’t drink anything sour but he paid her anyway. Then things picked up. A group of about 8 players all bought a cup and tipped her 50 cents above the price of the 50 cent cup. Hannah, who still doesn’t have a great concept of money, was just excited that she was in business. The grownups, however, were a little excited to see that kind of profit! This went on for about an hour – most golfers were kind and obliged us. Some weren’t interested, and Hannah tried every tactic even offering to give it away. We met a few of the neighbors and just enjoyed the nature and serenity. All in all, it was a great afternoon and she made a grand total of $10.50. Grandma sealed the money up into an envelope and labeled ‘Lemonade Stand June 13, 2010’.

Lesson Learned: Hannah’s earnings reminded me of the well known story – the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 24:14-30. Like the servants who were given 5 and 2 talents, she took her resources and multiplied what was given to her. She was not afraid, she had faith that she could complete her task and she took a risk. Unlike the servant who dug his one talent in the sand, she didn’t hide her talents, she took what was given to her and made the most of it. So when we take on a new opportunity, we should put our confidence in the Lord for he will give us more and we will experience extreme joy.

A few weeks later at the breakfast table, I told Hannah about the mission opportunities we could participate in during VBS. I told her about the clothing items we could donate to the Rainbow Room, the Bible collection and gave her a very high-level explanation of the ‘Imagine No Malaria’ charity. Ironically, during our visit to Conroe we spent one evening outside waiting for the bats to fly out from the neighbor’s house and had forgotten the mosquito spray. She was covered in bites so there was an instant understanding of what the families in Africa might be facing. Her eyes got super big and she said, “Mommy….I can give my lemonade stand money. I can give all my allowance!” It was one of those moments as a mother that your heart just wants to explode with pride. I was so touched that she didn’t think twice about saving that money for all 50+ American Girl toys she wants to buy. I was so humbled that she was willing to give all she had to help someone she didn’t even know. I will never forget her sitting in the Narthex opening her sealed envelope and placing the money in the water jugs before VBS.

Lesson Learned: These actions remind me of the story of the poor widow who gave her only 2 coins to the temple treasury – it comes from Mark 12:41-44. Although the amount of money was less than a penny, Jesus explained to his disciples that it meant more to the total contribution than the large sums of money the wealthy people gave. When you give with a sincere heart, the Lord recognizes your contribution and will bless you!

Something as simple as a lemonade stand can bring assistance and outreach in His name. So I encourage you to look at the unexciting opportunities in a new light….understand that something can truly come from nothing. On the extreme side – you can save a life or you can show Christ’s love by a simple gesture of kindness for someone else. Or another way to look at it – always purchase that lemonade from a child because you never know what good may come from it!