Everyone theses days are expressing how they can’t wait until things return to “normal”. I myself have said it. However, maybe we should consider whether the old “normal” is so good to return to.

Certainly there are things worth holding on to: spending more time with family and friends, near and far, worshipping corporately with my church family, going to beaches and parks, being able to get things we need without line-ups, going to work to support ourself and our families and taking more walks and bike rides.

When I think about some of the changes we have seen since this quarantine started, it makes me pause and wonder what shouldn’t return to “normal”.

Smog filled city skies, sounds of nature unheard because of noise pollution, ocean creatures and land animals disaapearing from habitats, higher crime rates and the stress and anxiety from the hamster wheel of more, more, more; better, better, better; higher, higher, higher.

Personally, I have enjoyed a somewhat quieter, more relaxing pace. It has caused me to seek God more, learn more about His attributes of mercy, love, omnipresence, omnipotence, faithfulness, righteousness and so on. It has given me time to think about what I have been doing with my time, what He wants to tell me, how I need to change, how to better love others and what His will is for the rest of my life.

Because none of us know how many days we have…….

“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.”

Psalm 39: 4-5 NIV

….and the true purpose of life is to glorify God and in doing that we find our true joy. It’s a mind-boggling mystery, yet true.

Therefore, as things begin to slowly return to “normal”, it’s time for me to take stock of what I want to return to and what I want to stay “different”‘. This time of quarantine has been for a purpose. Our job is to pray, ask and seek what that purpose is.

“Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12 NIV

So, my friends, as things start to loosen up and return to “normal”, let us look to the Lord and consider what He would have us to return to or change. Let us seek His wisdom, for He alone knows what is best. He knows our hearts, our days, our future and He alone is trustworthy.

Be well!

Patricia