"New" Normal

“To improve is to change, to perfect is to change often.” Winston Churchill 

If you walk into my bedroom, immediately to your left you are greeted by a large 8-piece poster of the man himself, Sir Winston Churchill. Poised with a slight smirk and, as you might have guessed, a cigar placed firmly between his bulldog-like jowls. While he might not have been a stoic or an outspoken Christian, the man had a unique way with words and was no stranger to change.

The last few weeks we have seen states make their initial attempts at getting back to some sort of “normalcy” albeit, socially distant and regulated. Traffic, at least in Atlanta, is back now to almost 80% of pre-corona numbers (sigh). Which begs the question everyone is asking, “What is going to be the new normal?” 

Let’s take a step back and figure out the basics. What exactly is “normal”?

normal (as defined by Oxford Dictionary)

1. adjective: conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.

2. noun: the usual, average, or typical state or condition.

Once famous actor and singer, Phil Crosby said it like this, “If anything is certain, it is that change is certain. The world we are planning for today will not exist in this form tomorrow.” 

Following that train of thought, it is normal for things to change.

There is no doubt that the immediate future is going to look different. Our “normal” lives are going to be altered. Social distancing, while currently relaxed, is likely to be suggested throughout the Summer. Sports may go on in the Fall, but with the possibility of no fans. Concerts? Yeah, hold that thought. Large corporations can expect to run into difficulties with staying six feet apart in addition to dealing with a likely increased demand for remote work from employees who may feel they do not need to physically be in the office to remain productive. Restaurants are slowly opening, but it’s going to feel weird and a little awkward when your waiter/waitress is wearing a mask and gloves as they hand you your meal. A firm handshake to begin your next sales pitch? Might want to hold that thought too. 

While change and uncertainty can be scary during the change itself, it is change that progresses us forward. I was recently sitting in on a webinar for work and heard one of the panelists use the phrase “changing normal”. What a great way of putting it. There are so many reasons that change can be positive… here’s a few for starters:

• Change leads to new opportunities and experiences.

• Change ensures that bad situations do not last forever.

• Change allows for progress.

• Change brings new perspectives and understanding. (I've actually switched my regular milk for almond milk *shudder*)

• Change promotes growth.

A few Sundays ago I got up and hopped online for my — now normal — virtual service. The title of the sermon was “Now What?” The emphasis being that we are asking the Lord, “Now what do we do?” If you are like me, then you might ask Him this question every morning. “Now what do I do?” For me, I find  comfort in asking this question, posturing my heart, and waiting expectantly on His answer. I don’t mean sit on the edge of your bed and wait for an answer before you decide to brave the morning traffic. Rather, be aware that He is in control and we are only asked to commit to His ways and He’ll do the rest.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

The Stoics had a little to say on the matter of change and looking to the future as well… 

“Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.” Seneca

“If anyone can refute me—show me I’m making a mistake or looking at things from the wrong perspective—I’ll gladly change. It’s the truth I’m after, and the truth never harmed anyone.” Marcus Aurelius

“When we are no longer able to change a situation — we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor Frankl

“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will — then your life will flow well.” Epictetus, Enchiridion, 8

Another fellow cigar smoker and comedian, George Burns, (who lived to be 100 years old I might add!) gave some great advice on keeping our gaze ahead. 

“I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life.” George Burns

In conclusion, it’s not up to us to wish life to be as it was in the past. Life is full of change. Change is good. Be bold (but smart) and press on. Thankfully, whatever the “new” normal becomes, we can find comfort knowing that our Lord is still the same.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8