How to Adjust to the New Normal
What’s your new normal? We are living in unprecedented uncertainty. The new normal is wildly different depending on where you live and what you are allowed to do. Some people are working harder than ever and have no financial worries. Others wonder where their next meal is coming from. Some are greatly fearful for their health. For others, isolation means safety.
But what can you do about your new normal? And will there be a new normal next week or next month or next year?
We know that things are changing all the time and the current pandemic means even more drastic and quick changes than ever before.
What’s going to go back to the way it was before?
Physical contact. It will take some time, but eventually we will resume physical contact. It might be different than before and might take more time than we would like. Some day we will be hugging and enjoying close fellowship again.
Store shelves. In the early days of the outbreak store shelves emptied quickly in a panic buying spree. Already, where I live, we are seeing fewer empty shelves. Although there are still threats to our food supply, we have been assured by several experts that we won’t run out of food. But, in time, we will be shopping as we used to shop.
Travel. It will take months and maybe years before travel is back to what it was just a few months ago. There will be some changes with travel that I will share in just a minute. Over the years, my wife and I have enjoyed travel for church conferences and vacations. Slowly those things will return to normal and be available to everyone.
What’s going to permanently change?
Physical contact. We will resume physical contact some day but I think that some things may change.
Personal space. Right now we have a mandated social separation that keeps us from getting too close. When I take my morning walk, I am careful not to get too close to others and they do the same. Even with the retreat of the virus, I suspect that our ‘personal space’ will increase and we will be more inclined to respect the personal space of others.
From handshake to fist bump. We might see more fist pumps and fewer handshakes in the future. It is just a little safer.
From hugs to waves. There will always be hugs. Make no mistake about it but will we be waving more and hugging less? Maybe.
Isolation (for some). For those who are susceptible to infectious diseases, this might be a time when isolation becomes a more permanent way of life. Limiting outside contact will become the new normal in the days and years to come.
Telecommuting. Many people are discovering that they can work productively from home. It is likely that there will be many more meetings through teleconferencing in the new normal. This may mean fewer cars on the road and fewer planes in the sky. Nothing wrong with that.
Travel. While it will get back to normal eventually, I think it will be a new normal. I can see a reality with fewer business trips, fewer cruises and more stay close to home vacations.
What will never change?
Spiritual life. We still live and grow and enjoy spiritual life in the same way now as before. Although we don’t meet to worship, we still worship. Our times of devotion, prayer and Bible reading are still happening. We can thrive no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.
God’s promises. They never fail. We can always count on him. Tragedy, pandemics, natural disasters, war and social dysfunction do not change who God is. He is faithful and his promises are good.
Laughter. We can and should still laugh. I enjoy seeing the pictures and videos on social media of my friends and family enjoying good times even though the circumstances are not optimal. Laughter is a gift from God. We should use it often.
Blessings. Every good and perfect thing is from God. He still blesses us with peace and joy and love. These are his irrevocable gifts to his children. We can still enjoy them with gratitude.
Help. God will help us through every trial. Often his help is direct. Often his help is through someone who is directed to be generous and giving. There is help for everyone who needs it. Pray and see what God does.
Here’s what you need to do to survive today and throughout this pandemic
Trust God. It’s so easy to slip into the habit of depending on ourselves and our limited resources. With the incredible upheavals we all are experiencing now, we need to re-anchor in the promises of our faithful God. He is unchanging and all powerful and will help you through.
Be encouraged. We typically find our corporate worship time to be encouraging to our faith. Now that we cannot meet together, we can find encouragement in other ways. One way is to be active in encouraging others. It may be a long time until we can meet together again. Members of my family are high risk so we do not know if we will ever be in a church building again. It is God’s plan for us to enjoy fellowship but his grace is sufficient and he will help us find other ways to be built up, even through virtual fellowship.
Be patient. We have nearly daily stories about the impatience of people as we try to weather the storm of this pandemic. We yearn to have things back to the way they were. But things will never be the way they were. Life is changing. Our world is changing.
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