The New Normal
What’s the new normal? Actually, it does not exist yet. It is being created one step at a time, one moment at a time.
You may be asking, “what does my new normal look like?” First, realize that you are a person going through this, not a machine. You will feel things, long for things and even be confused by things. It’s okay to be human. As we go through the reentry process, I recommend setting aside 2-3 hours for reflection.
Emotional Self-Care
• Give yourself time to grieve – to process the deep sorrow from loss. I cannot think of one person who has not been touched by loss in some way. Some have lost family members, friends, business and recreational activities plus the ability to be with people for important events. As I write this, my neighbor lost her husband to a grave illness and cannot provide a proper burial for the family to grieve together. Please give yourself permission to grieve the losses. Be free of bitterness or resentment taking root in your heart.
• Consider the blessings. Enjoy time with family, time with the Lord, time to slow down and catch your breath. The blessings will be different for each person in this season. Ask the Lord how He might want to reveal blessings to you for your work and life. Growing a perspective sprinkled with gratitude for the simple things in life can balance our souls.
• Recognize opportunities or they can be missed if we are not looking for them. Taking advantage of an opportunity does not mean that someone else suffers. It means that in the middle of much suffering, there is grace for a new way.
Mental Clarity
• Define your new normal. In the waiting, explore what the new normal will look like for you. How will you embrace it? How will you prepare for it?
• Hold your own plans loosely, realizing that we are not in control. There is deep peace in placing your current circumstances and future in Christ. Maybe someday, I’ll write about how the Lord taught me to live a “Lord willing” life, even in the midst of running three companies.
• Focus on tactical goals, not strategic goals. As things unfold you will not have the benefit of knowing what is going to happen long term. You can make very specific and time sensitive decisions based on what is happening right now.
God is Unchanging Amidst World-wide Change
Here is what you can count on:
• God’s faithfulness. Psalm 89:8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
• The promise that God is with us. Psalm 119:148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
• God’s true Word. As information flies around, who do you believe? The only one we can truly believe is God and His Word. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged [a]sword, penetrating as far as the division of the [b]soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• The promise that He works things for our good. Romans 8:28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
A New Land
Joshua led the children of Israel into a new land. They had just traveled through the world-changing Exodus Portal. We have traveled the world-changing COVID-19 Portal. And, just as the Lord told Joshua again and again, their success depended on one thing – the promise that He was with them. They relied on His abiding presence, not their own strength. He was with them throughout the Exodus Portal. God’s faithfulness was their promise and it is our promise from Him today and always (Numbers 13 and 14).
Thanks for reading! Want more content? Find more on our blog. Read more on our blog here! Have questions about where to start with C3A? We’d love to talk with you!