A New Normal

Those who regularly read this Pastor’s devotion blog know that, the past few months have been quite difficult for me.  My dad’s illness and subsequent passing became the focal point of my life—and, in some ways still are.  One of the side-affects of his illness was that my regular routines and daily and weekly schedules were thrown into disarray.  For the past few months, I didn’t eat the same, go to the office when I normally do, or maintain my exercise routine.  I didn’t even write this devotional blog as regularly as I normally do.  It was quite difficult to do life as usual as long as I was in the midst of the crisis.  At the time, my dad’s care was all that mattered, and rightfully so. 

It’s now been about three weeks since my dad went to be with the Lord.  And, with the passing of time, life is starting to get back to normal—although one might call it a “new normal.”  The routines and patterns are starting to reappear.  The daily, weekly, and even monthly cycles are falling back into place, albeit with some adjustments.  I have begun to exercise again. I’ve gone back to most of my regular work schedule.  And, I am once again writing this blog on a Friday morning—my usual time to do so.  I must admit, it feels good to be back into some sort of routine. 

Life seems to be a precious balance between the routines and interruptions, the normal and the crisis, the expected and the unexpected. For the most part we live our lives in the regular routines of life. Yet, we know at any moment a crisis may occur that turns our life upside-down.  When the unexpected happens, our lives are thrown off balance and our routines quickly dissipate.   That which was normal is forced to become a “new normal. ” as we attempt to readjust our lives and create for ourselves some sort of stability.

As hard as it can be to have our lives turned upside-down, I have found that, with God’s help balance can be regained. The old routines of life, along with some new ones (and probably better ones), can reappear.  The grace of God at work in one’s life, is able to help create a “new normal” that is, in many ways, better than the old one. Life will never again be the same, but it is not meant to be so. Rather, through the crises and pain, God works to bring about a strength and character and hope that we may not have known before. He leads us into a “new normal” that is far better than the old one. 

“…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5 – NIV)

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris

www.pifny.org