Crazy times we’re living in. Can I offer a helpful thought?
I’ve been hearing a lot of conversations about “the new normal,” and how life is never going to go back to the way it was before. One person recently wrote to me, “I’m beginning to realize life is never going to be the same.”
And they are right.
We have all been asked (or forced) to change our present reality. Getting used to our new reality, both in the short-term and the long-term, is going to take some time. No doubt, there have been significant changes and will be many more.
But I want to offer you a helpful reminder today:
Your life was never going to be the same tomorrow as it is today.
“Normal” was always going to be different and new.
Our world is constantly changing and our lives are constantly changing. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Sometimes small and incremental, sometimes abrupt and significant. Sometimes because we desire change, sometimes because change is forced upon us.
But life is constantly changing.
I can tell you that my life today is a lot different than it was one year ago. My life one year ago was very different than it was five years ago or 15 years ago. And the world has changed a whole lot during that time as well.
The only constant in life is change. And “normal” tomorrow was always going to be different than normal today.
Normal is always new.
It is our responsibility to live in the present and make the most of our circumstances—whatever they look like today and whatever they look like tomorrow.
We accept the good, we accept the bad, and we make the most of the season right in front of us—regardless of how it looks today or tomorrow. That is our responsibility to ourselves and the constantly changing world around us.
Stay healthy, stay well, stay focused. We’ll get through this together.
J says
Thank you. After a hair raising day, this is nice to read before heading to bed! We found out a couple weeks ago we have to move. Our land lord is moving back into his house after renting to us for 5 years. Reading this tonight is keeping me from coming unglued…..I have a deep faith, and so grateful for everything I have in my life, especially my family and friends. I put my trust in my Higher Power and it’s nice to have earth angles helping in the process. And I consider you, one of my earth angels. Enjoy your blog. Thank you!
Vicki Hinten says
What a great reminder! I used to try to keep things “normal” under my control, ha! When I went through a divorce 8 years ago, a lot of change was forced on me. I turned for help to a ministry called Celebrate Recovery, it’s not just for addicts. It helped me to place my life into the one thing that doesn’t change, God’s hands! I was a Christian before but learning to completely trust Jesus has given me so much peace! Especially right now.
Judy says
Only God is the same— yesterday, today and forever!
Libby Addison says
And that is the best news in these changing times! ???
Barb Horigan says
Thank you. This has really been bothering me. “The new normal.” But no! My nephew will not ALWAYS be changing taking his clothes off in the garage and plopping then into the washing machine, then going straight in the door to the shower and clean clothes, before he sees his kids, because he’s been working the COVID Unit. This is normal for NOW. But as you say, another day perhaps another normal.
Rhea says
This is beautiful and true.
Veryl Kretschmar says
Wishing your nephew continued strength as he serves.
Stacy says
I needed to hear this today! Thank you
Martha says
Thank you for this article.. I only wish that the whole entire world would be able to read it as well… you are making a big difference in the life of others… thanks again
Sandy says
God gives me one day at a time. It is a gift for me to unwrap and each day is a change but we do have the opportunity to choose. I’ve been gifted with eyes to see, whether it’s words on a page, the smile on my hubby’s face, or sighting a squirrel drinking from our birdbath; ears to hear the sounds of nature and of man and lips for me to choose wisely what comes out of my mouth. Embrace each day we have no control over our tomorrow.
Regina says
I like how I can count on your writing to always lead the way to light and greater wisdom. As a Christian, I appreciate the tradition you come from and I like how your writing is pertinent to all traditions, very inclusive. Your style is just simple enough, too, and concise so as to calm and let the reader relax and breathe. So thank you very much for your good work!
Cynthia says
Wonderful reminder.
I’m so grateful someone taught me long ago,
“The only normal in my house is a cycle on the washing machine.”
Audrey says
Makes me think of an old hymn: “Life is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand; Put your hope in things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.”
Steph says
Never heard that hymn. Thanks for the tip. I will look it up to savor today!