the parable of the lemonade stand

This past Sunday, Pastor Craig told a story of running a lemonade stand when he was growing up. And guess what? My sister and I had one too! In fact, we were very ambitious-minded-little-girls because we also had our own personal "yard sale" in addition to coming up with the latest snack ("GORP") and offering samples in bathroom cups door to door. 


There is only one problem, we didn't live in a busy subdivision or even a busy street; we lived on a cul de sac.

A cul-de-sac (literally "bottom of bag" in Catalan) is a word of Catalan

 origin coming to the English via French referring to a dead end, close, 

no through road (British English) or court (American,Canadian and Australian English)

meaning dead-end street with only one inlet/outlet. 

While historically built for other reasons, one of its modern uses is to calm vehicle traffic.

In thinking about our business venture as little girls, the Lord took a moment to speak to my heart.

Many times we have amazing

gifts

abilities

ideas

dreams

visions

but if we aren't in the best position, they won't reach full potential or maximize effect.

If i'm not walking in full obedience in every area of my life;

if my ear is not pressed against the heartbeat of the Father,

I will easily get frustrated that my gifts, abilities, ideas aren't reaching their full potential.

The lemonade stand was a GREAT idea, but the location LIMITED it's effectiveness.

Ruth knew the need (food) so she began to serve (her mother in law) by going to where she knew was food (a rich man's field) and picking up what was leftover. She was in position to not only exceed her familys' need but also to meet her husband.

Where's your lemonade stand?