Welcome to the New Normal

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4

Rufus and Moe have been depressed, their routine has been interrupted, nothing is the same from one day to the next - this is their new normal and they don’t like it. Life is full of change both good and not so good. Our normal can be interrupted at any time by a minor detour or a major course change and then we have to deal with whatever the new normal is. Sometimes we like the new normal and sometimes we don’t. It is how we respond to these changes in normal that make a difference in our perspective and attitude.

James tells us we should consider it pure joy when we face trials because it helps us to grow in faith. Change can often be a trial even if it is a good change. I wonder how often as we go through the process of change; do we take an attitude of joy as life makes us adjust to the new normal. I know I don’t always. Sometimes like Rufus and Moe when my normal gets interfered with I am anything but joyful.

Births and deaths, prosperity and poverty, lush gardens and harsh wilderness, good health and life changing illness - all of these and more can mess with whatever our normal is. I want to encourage you to face each change with an attitude of joy, knowing full well that you are not alone in the journey.

Woohoo! Welcome to the new normal!

A prayer
Father – Forgive us for the time when we are less than grateful for the things you are trying to teach us. Help us to embrace change and make the most of the new normal in our lives, even when it means normal changing from one minute to the next. Thank you for walking with us, for showing us where to step. With Your help we can consider it pure joy. In the name of Jesus, Amen.