Effects of Change

What unsettles you about change?    Whether  it provides more freedom or causes more restrictions,  whether it causes  loss or gain...it doesn't matter.  It calls for adjustment.   We all experience times  of change in life, some positive, some harsh,  some chosen, some unexpected and that when experiencing the effects of those changes there seems to be an unsettled anxiousness.  So why is "change so difficult for us?

" I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ... Philippians 4:12-14

4832 Thought:  "The New Normal"
We have heard the term "the new normal" frequently in the past few weeks of social isolation. To recall exactly WHAT is normal I looked up the definition  in the dictionary...." conforming to a  standard or regular pattern, not deviating from a norm, rule or principal, occurring naturally."    Yet, we are all hopefully trying our best to make the new pattern of our lives appear to be the norm.

The other night, in our "spare" time, we watched the movie "Its a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."  Tom Hanks, aka Mr Rogers, cheerfully came in his house, removed his jacket and put on his cardigan sweater and sneakers. It was his daily version of NORMAL as he greeted his viewing friends with a smile and love and "I am so glad you are here!"  This actual story was more about the life of a young father and husband still harboring the pain of having an alcoholic father who had not put the needs of his son first. It was actually a lesson in transforming the young man's heart and changing his "normal" hurt into love. Mr. Rogers was an amazingly understanding man!

Now,  In our  abnormally "new normal," we now are getting glimpses of community, of people reaching out to help each other. People they don't even know. The Christian body doesn't have to just be in a pew on Sunday, but reaching out in creative ways. Dropping food off to those in need. Calling those alone, especially in their losses.

I hope that this sense of community will continue after we find our "new normal" in the future months. Appreciating people like medical staff and grocery clerks and those who clean and trash men.

4832 Pondering
In this unsettled time can you list some activities or relationships or type of out reaching that you feel good about? Are there certain others that need you to share your love?
 It's time to make "the new normal" a way to accept those different than us...be it race or religion or political background. Go ahead share some food, or a little extra cash, or a roll of toilet paper...or at the very least the encouragement of Christ's love for all.