a new normal

       "I can't wait for things to return to normal" a church member shared.  "It will be great to be together and see everyone again!"
    While I share the hope of seeing everyone again, my mind wrestles with the understanding of this new normal.  Yes, I have missed people and things during this time.  I miss physically seeing members on Sunday mornings or during the week for meetings.  I miss running down to Sheetz for a cup of hot chocolate in the middle of the afternoon, or my favorite lunch.  I miss being involved within the community.
     But, there are also somethings I don't want to see return in my life in this new normal.  I don't want to return to being so busy I don't have time to talk with a church or family member.  I don't want to return to ignoring the subtle (or not) cues and changes in nature.  Nor do I want to return to ignoring a daily routine that has become so important in keeping track of days and time during this global pandemic.
     Perhaps one of the things challenging for so many is trying to establish solid footing on the reality of what our new normal (collectively and individually) will look like.  At this point, no one knows, because, we simply don't.  None of us here have any idea because none of us have ever experienced something like this before.
     As I write this, I am reminded of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians: "If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"  (2 Corinthians 5:17)  
     We don't know what this new normal will look like.  It might be fluid as it continues to take shape.  It might mean making changes, daily, perhaps hourly.
     What it does mean, is that God is still working in and with our lives.  God has something planned far better than we can ever imagine or thought possible.  It means God isn't done with us, and hasn't been done with us.  Knowing God is working and continues to work is exciting!  Whatever is ahead of us, God has us, and isn't going to let us go.  God is going to be with us every step of the way, no matter what.  I can't wait to see what this new normal will look like with God part of it!