The New Normal

We are living in unprecedented times. Life as we knew it has changed completely. And these radical changes have dramatically impacted the entire globe. As we look forward into a new and different future, how should we think? I would like to share a few of my thoughts with you regarding this important question.

First, let’s reflect back on the way of life that has been taken from us.

• The Rat Race • Stress over too many things to do with too little time • Not enough time for the things that matter most • Stuck in a rut • Extreme numbness from just going through the motions • Political bickering ALL the time • Greed and excessive commercialization of every aspect of life • Churches that had mostly lost its ability to impact the world around us

The past few weeks have been very difficult and frustrating for many. My heart goes out to those who have lost businesses, incomes, and especially to those who have lost loved ones to the pandemic facing the world. My words today, in no way, take away from the loss and hardship so many have faced. But, let’s take a moment and look at the good that most of us have experienced through the midst of this difficult and turbulent time.

• A dramatic slowdown of life • A return to the things that matter most • More than enough time to do so many things we never had time for before • Opportunity for a fresh start and new outlooks • Rest for our bodies, souls, and spirits • A camaraderie of earth’s citizens to weather the storms together • A time to re-evaluate what is most important in our lives • And the necessity of re-evaluating how we “do” church

The Church is having a greater impact right now than we have in decades. Many churches have been “forced” into the 21st Century! (Technology can be a great resource for good!) Families are spending much needed time together. The reprieve from the Rat Race has provided an opportunity to restructure our lives so that they more adequately represent our true values and priorities.

I encourage you today to embrace where you are. Carpe diem! Seize the day! Don’t allow this time to pass without asking the difficult questions that we all need to ask. Actually WRITE OUT your values, priorities, and dreams. Allow these to guide you in plotting out your new life and future.

Lastly, Christians have always needed to hear the Lord speak as He guides us through life. Today, more than ever before in my lifetime, this is especially important. If you are a child of God, you CAN hear His voice (John 10:27). He has always spoken to us, but we may have been too busy and/or distracted to recognize that it was Him speaking. Commit to learning to discern His voice and purposefully grow in your ability to hear Him. (much more about this in future writings)

God has a plan and purpose for you. This pandemic did NOT catch God by surprise. He did NOT cause it, but He is working so much good through it. If we hear His voice through this difficult time, we can be assured that our lives going forward will be much better and balanced than before.

Our prayers are with you! Trust in God! He’s got you! The future is open before us. Go forth in the Wisdom of God and may His blessings RAIN down on you in every way.

SR