Who Will We Be?
I keep hearing and using the term, "new normal" to describe life in the world of social distancing, travel restriction and spending much of our time cooped up in our homes. No other phrase quite captures the experience. If it were just a day or two, or even a week, we would describe it as a "rough few days". But with no clear end in sight as those making the decisions continue to try to make the right ones, what else can we call it but "normal".Many of us are now working from home, the church is digital and schools are closed. With no clarity on how this story ends, we are learning to settle into this new way of life. It is becoming "normal".Though I certainly experience frustration with this new normal, and I am sure you do too, there are some good things which come along with it. For example, the way our church leadership is working together to make certain everyone is cared for well is really exciting. There is one opportunity which relates directly to this idea of "new normals", our habits are being forced into change.They say it takes 21 days to establish a new habit or break an old one. We are likely getting close to twice that. I had a habit of rushing out the door and grabbing a fast-food breakfast, that option is off the table as my commute leads me to the desk in my room. I get up, make my own coffee, cook a little breakfast and then sit down to the tasks of the day. When the "old normal" returns, I'll still have this habit built.But that is a surface level thing. The question I am really asking myself is, "who do I want to be when this is over?" How do I live more like Jesus under these restrictions so that when they are lifted, the life of Christ can shine like never before?
The reverse is also true. If we settle into negative habits, those will follow us into life after the pandemic the same way.Maybe in future posts, we can look at some specific examples, but for today, my encouragement to everyone is to ask yourself the question: Who do I want to be when this is over?
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!Instead, his delight is in the Lord's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.Psalm 1:1-3 CSB
By His Grace, For His Glory,Shaun