Benjamin Franklin got a tremendous amount of mileage out of platitudes. We are still stitching in time, going to bed early and rising thus, and trying not to be fools easily parted with our funds. The truth in these old sayings is self evident. Or is it? Despite “Chicken Soup” books, there are many youngsters who don’t know how to actually apply the wisdom of the ages in their day to day lives. So I am here to help. I have chosen a very popular saying: “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.” Let’s just look at the many ways this simple adage can be applied.

AT THE STORE: Did you forget your list? Company coming? Don’t fret. Instead of making that Chicken Marengo recipe that calls for all those ingredients you can’t remember, just buy a jar of some sort of cooking sauce and some rice. Those sauces were concocted by professional chefs. You can trust them. Chicken, delicious sauce, with some frozen peas and a nice Sarah Lee dessert, and you are golden! Lemonade.

IN THE FITTING ROOM: Oh, my gosh. Size 12 doesn’t really seem to be as roomy as it used to be? But you look great in the 14’s. And have you noticed that skinny women get TONS of wrinkles as they get older? Plump women NEVER look their age. Lemonade.

AT THE HIGH SCHOOL REUNION: This is a huge opportunity for growth and development. I think it is actually an underlying rule of the universe that the most popular and beautiful girls in high school invariably marry the wrong men. Those nerds they always made fun of are guys like Bill Gates. Lemonade.

AROUND THE BLOCK: The Joneses? Don’t even TRY to keep up. As I age, I have come to realize that the Joneses AREN’T EVEN PAYING ANY ATTENTION. They are too busy acquiring cars, houses, and boats that they can’t afford to even notice whether or not your watch is a Rolex. Get a good Timex, a car that runs well, stay at Motel 6, and enjoy life with your family. Lemonade.

IN THE GAME OF LIFE: We all get slammed. Some of us are visited by disease; some have divorce and other family problems. There are drugs, crimes and wars all over the world. Rain falls on everyone. At my advancing age, I have discovered that the horrors of my existence have led to new insights, new friends, new respect for life, and renewed dedication to happiness. Making lemonade in this scenario is the hardest of all. But with courage, optimism, and an openness to change, lemonade can still be made.

Life is a challenge. But lemonade awaits.