Life's Great Gifts: Lemons and Livers

"The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil" (Joseph F. Smith).
  
This summer in Ecuador the mosquitoes have caused quite the epidemic.  As it so happens I have been in Ecuador. I have also been bit by mosquitoes; so as is the natural conclusion I too have contracted the disease. Just recently I found out that my chikungunya virus is causing liver inflammation; that means hepatitis, baby. It's a mild case, but at least it explains the joint pain, headaches, and fatigue; it even explains the raging hormones that have taken me back to my middle school days a time or two. The good news according to my medical professional: I am emotionally stable. That's gotta make you feel good. 
  
During the initial flu symptoms a couple months ago I left my bed exclusively for food and the bathroom. For each small venture beyond my cave I was given plenty of warm lime water to drink. Yum. Each time I thought: I don't want more lime water, I already drank some and it is bitter; now I just want normal water; I like normal water and I am thirsty and I have a headache and a stomachache and a rash, so let's just forget the stupid, magic limes and let me go back to bed! Instead I submitted a quiet, “Okay,” and downed a few more glasses.
  
I’ve often heard: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  I really think we’re on to something there. I would much rather have sugar with my lemon and limes. Sometimes, in my foolishness, I think there must not be enough sugar in the pantry, so I settle for the bitter water.
  
About a month ago I was traveling alone in South America, had attracted unwanted attention from a few creepy old men, was running short on cash, saw every news channel filled with scenes of political protesters, and, however pitiful the attempt, was trying to resist the effects of my viral infection. It seemed like a lot of lemon juice for a tourist. Then I spotted the sugar. My boat was one of the only ones to leave, my money lasted the whole trip, my virus took a day off and so did the political protesters, and every time I left the hotel I ran into all the right people at all the right times ensuring not only my safety but plenty of breath-taking adventures.  When I crashed on my bed at the end of the day I was overcome with one question: Why does God even care about my stupid glass of lemonade? 

I've spent this year helping cripples and the infirm. I've seen tumors, scars, contorted bodies, blind children that can't stand up without falling over again; I've watched teenage girls come into the doctor's office with their disabled babies and helped grown men get their diapers back on. I even saw a town's only specialist get fired by a petty government worker during a nationwide epidemic.  Despite my own tendency toward bitter limes and sour attitudes even I realize there are quite a few more problems in this world then my slightly inflamed liver. I know I have much to be thankful for.

 Joseph F. Smith said, "The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil."  I won't compare myself to the grateful man, but I do know God has truly filled my pantry with sugar. The lemons just help me use it and I am grateful that He knows when the mixture is too sweet and cares enough about my lemonade to help me fix it. 

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