When Life Gives You Lemonade . . . Share It.

Dec 31, 2011 by admin

For the past few days I have had the privilege of having my family under one roof. Given that, at other times of the year, we live across three states, being together is not at all something I take for granted . . . not like I used to when we all four occupied the same square footage.

This heightened awareness of gratitude never fails to open my eyes to things that might have otherwise gone unnoticed; a loving touch shared between my son and his wife, absentminded wrestling between siblings, spontaneously erupting laughter at nothing in particular. These moments of ordinary living become precious, shiny things when we choose to let them, to see them.

Looking back over all the meals shared, gifts exchanged and memories made, it’s become clear to me that the most precious moment of the past few days is one in which I really had no part, but that I had the good luck to witness.

My two sons were busy in the kitchen, each piling their plates with Christmas leftovers, hungry for lunch. My oldest son, Ryan, having warmed his food, poured himself a hefty glass of lemonade, leaving the container close to empty, when he asked his younger brother, Cole, what he wanted to drink. “Lemonade,” he replied. And here’s where my eyes tear.

Pouring the remainder of lemonade into another glass, Ryan raised both of their glasses and, over the sink, proceeded to pour out of his glass and into Cole’s. Even Steven. Enough for you. Enough for me. I’ll give of myself, so that you might also have. We’re in this together, and there’s more than enough for us all.

Brotherly love.

May this next year bring about many demonstrations of brotherly love in all of our lives. May we give of ourselves, and receive from others. And, come what may . . . no matter what this next year brings, I pray that your glasses are always, always half full.

Peace and Blessings,

Nicole Walters