Not so long ago, what most of the world defined as “normal” was turned upside down. For most, just days before we felt rooted, in control, and optimistic. In just one day, everything we had put our faith in just stopped. It took a minute to find a footing and grasp this new reality. The words of the song ‘Waymaker’ resonated in my mind.
You are here moving in our midst….I worship you….You are here, working in this place….
This song has been played by worship teams all over the country, and I have heard it many times over the years, but something new stirred inside of me this season.
Way maker, Miracle worker, Promise keeper, Light in the darkness, My God, That is who you are…
I had momentarily shifted from a position of peace to a place of uncertainty. I caught myself, regained my balance, and focused. My ultimate trust never been founded in a job or in the government or in people. I have always managed to keep myself founded in Jesus and in how He has taught us to live. And every time I have been in a challenging season in my life, He has gotten me through. Every. Single. Time.
I really do believe God has been moving in our midst and making a new way. For those of you that believe you had it good, have you really? I realized that I had personally lost my focus. While life was seemingly going well, there were still unfinished tasks, forgotten ideas, and lost dreams. I had been depriving myself of a precious commodity – TIME. I began to take advantage of this new gift. My family has learned new recipes, crafted new treasures, created new spaces in our home, and worked together on projects outside. We are laughing more, sleeping better, and having more meaningful conversations. Each of us has taken time to do things we love to do. I see my daughters painting, creating, and helping each other with school projects. I have enjoyed writing and real phone conversations. I have worked on a new business and caught up with family and friends. I have learned my neighbors’ names and had sidewalk chats. I have cleaned closets and drawers and enjoyed the satisfaction of getting order in my home. I have discovered the therapeutic benefits of a simple deep inhale and long exhale as I sit outside with a cup of coffee and listed to the birds.
We hear a lot of talk about longing for things to be “normal again.” I have discovered I do not want to go back to what was “normal.” In my old normal I was stressed, tired and disconnected from family. In my old normal I longed for time to do things I enjoyed. In my old normal our family was running in several different directions every day, struggling just to make dinner happen. In my old normal, I saw my kids each doing their own thing, caught up in their own worlds. In the old normal, neighbors didn’t chat, wave, or smile. I don’t want that ‘normal’ life anymore. I like this new life we unwrapped.
As the world around us begins to open back up, we are tackling it with a new perspective. We have learned the value of laughter, rest, decompressing. We have rediscovered the healing effect of doing things that satisfy us and spark joy. We have repurposed our day to include more conversation, interaction, and interest in one another. Life is good. And I am thankful that we went through this season so we remember once again what life really is.
Cheers to your new normal!
I AM. BELOVED 