THE NEW NORMAL

Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday and
today and
forever.
Hebrews 13:8

When we speak of “normal”, we are told that it's the everyday, typical or usual state of one's circumstances. For the most part, our lives are so routine that we seem to know what we are going to be doing day by day. I know the days I'm going to be at church, what day I teach a Bible study, scheduled doctor's appointments and even the day I get my hair done. My life is very full, but full of the expected. I keep a purse calendar where I make notes of any special events that are upcoming, but even special events aren't anything unusual because I try to stay “planned” as much as possible.

Lately, I've heard this term “new norm.” To be honest, the term concerns me just because of me. I like to have things planned and scheduled which makes for a pretty normal life. In that term though, is the the word “new.” I don't like that word because what it tells me is that “new” refers to “change” and I've never done well with change. I've been through a lot of it and have survived, but the unexpected tends to throw me.

The “new normal” in one's life indicates that there has been something transpire in life that has totally changed life for her or him for life and that even it will come to be normal after some time has gone by. Our lives, therefore, are going to be full of these new normals because of so many drastic and sometimes tragic changes that come our way.

There are some things we might consider negative in nature that can create for us a “new normal” that may require not just change but special attention being paid to them. For instance: death of a family member or friend, change in health that might be considered terminal in nature, empty nest syndrome, changes in location, financial crisis, divorce...the list could go on and on of those things that can be sudden and negative in nature.

“New normals” can also be positive and may require adjustments but the kind of adjustments folks don't mind. I'm thinking of weddings, new baby in the home, new job, moving into a new house, adoption of a child, some kind of financial windfall...all of which can be fun, positive, never perfect but most would consider to be positive events.

I don't know of a better example of a new normal than when I think of a person who comes to the Savior for salvation. Paul tells us that “Old things are passed away and all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) It's wonderful being around a new Christian with their excitement and enthusiasm for the things of God. Their old lives are gone and evil desires as well. There are new goals, lifestyles, habits, friends perhaps...with salvation comes a whole new life...a whole new norm. Paul wrote epIstles regarding his “new normal” after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus became Paul's normal in every way even unto his execution. In that moment, even then, Paul was greeted with a forever “new normal” that would be ongoing.

Such was true about a friend of several years ago, whose husband was not a believer in Christ. He wanted nothing to do with Jesus although was a good man according to all reports. This went on for years. His faithful wife was active in church as anyone could be. Every Sunday, she saw to breakfast, getting herself and her children ready to leave for church. After church she came right home to fix dinner for the family. She and the children faithfully prayed for the man of the house, but with no response on his part. No one nagged at him and he was very compliant with the family's church activity.

On one occasion, he asked his daughter what she wanted for her birthday. She replied that it would be such a special birthday if he would come and sit with her in church. Seeing his daughter's sincere look and hearing her sweet, but urging words, he agreed to attend church the following Sunday. He did arrive and the family sat toward the back of the church. Little did he know how many of the church members had prayed for him through the years at the request of his wife and children as well. When invitation time came, amazingly, this man immediately stepped out,went to the altar where he was sweetly saved. There was hardly a dry eye in the church as people rejoiced with him and is family. He became a very active church member and eventually a deacon. For that family situation, their “new norm” became a whole new dynamic.

Even spiritually, there can be a new normal. Sometimes a Christian backslides, gets away from the Lord. Through the Spirit's leading and prodding when someone like that comes back to the Lord, it's like a whole new beginning for them. I've seen folks like that who get back on spiritual track. They get back to who and what they should be for Christ and they get a fresh start with a new normal in life.

In all of our “new normals,” only the Lord can bring a healthy normal to our new norms. Our “new normals” don't have to be frightening. God goes before us no matter our circumstances but never leaves us. He always keeps us in His sight and will always be a Presence no matter the status of the normals in our lives.

Thank You, Father for the times You've been such a strength in my times of adjustments when life has taken turns on me. You are always faithful in my life and I'm more grateful than I can express. In Jesus' precious name...Ame