I’ve seen several commercials lately that talk about when things get “back to normal.” This got me to wondering, “What is normal?” Do you know? I’m not quite sure at this point. It may have been defined once upon a time as “average, typical, or the usual,” but now – even those words seem strange to us. Life, as we once knew it has forever changed. Is it for the good or for the bad? Well, that will depend on how well we adapt, won’t it?
One of my favorite mottos is “The joy is in the journey.” Well, I don’t know about you, but these past couple of months, I’ve been on a trip, stranger that I ever dreamed. I certainly didn’t buy a ticket for it. I’ve experienced “sheltering at home” a.k.a. quarantine. I’ve spent weeks at home, never even going outside for days at a time. I’ve seen a “run on toilet paper,” a store with no eggs or milk and people frantically filling shopping carts while shelves quickly emptied. I worked from home for the first time ever – it’s hard! Who knew? Steve and I have worshiped for six weeks on the Lord’s Day through the internet, singing, praying, studying, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper in our home. Have all of these things become normal?
Now, that our country is reopening. After going for almost two months, it feels good to drive again. I’m back working in the office – hello, work family! I went to Walmart, personally – I met many “masked people” and the basket handle was dripping with hand sanitizer, but I felt safe. This Sunday, I’m going to get to worship once again with my Doniphan Church of Christ family. I can’t wait! I know that some have said that they are afraid that some folks won’t come back to worship services – that they will just continue to do it at home, but me – I CAN’T WAIT! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. I bet the kids have grown. I’m excited about raising my voice in song and praise with others. I look forward to sharing the experience of partaking of the communion and praying one for another.
Most of us are “set” in our ways. We don’t like things to change, and 2020 is going to be a tough year for us. But, we are so blessed. God is so good. I was once told to never pray for patience because you were asking for hard times to come your way to “teach” you patience. So, at this time, I’m going to pray for adaptability – for “the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can change, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (Reinhold Niebuhr) May I easily adapt to the “new normal.” Simply blessed, Courtney