~Today is of a slightly different track. What defines "normal" for you? My dear friend is flying back south tomorrow after being "home" for the past couple weeks upon the death of her mother.
~Today, in writing to her, I pondered the age old question, "What is normal?"....It's oftentimes defined by our routines, isn't it? One of my favorite books is entitled, "Normal Is Just a Setting on Your Dryer", by Patsy Clairmont. That just about sums up life, doesn't it!?!
"Normal" for some can mean moving every couple years; normal for others is defined by a life spent on the bleachers until the last one graduates; normal for others is diapers and tears and potty training and spilled milk, etc....not to mention the physical, emotional struggles that some contend with on a daily basis.
~In 2006, our "norm" had been burying our dead. In 2008, it was spent inbetween doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, work and home.
~The death of a loved one, the death of a dream, the death of a relationship, job, whatever it may be...however permanently shifts the sands of "normal" along our path of life. I remember thinking after my mother died, "I need to call mom. I haven't talked to her in a couple weeks."....Then, my "new" normal began to slam my heart to the floor...right there at the kitchen sink with a sinkful of dirty dishes....unannounced and uninvited....as the door of reality opened by itself and let itself in.
It is only as our "normal shifts" that I believe we truly learn to rejoice in the fact that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever", and that He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. His promise is that when we call, He WILL answer, and that His plans for us are for good and not for evil.
No matter what our "normal" is right now....may we know that He is the same - He changes not.
I always think that His "sameness" is what allows us to be able to trust Him. He surely is our Rock.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. I haven't had "normal" in so long...I can't even remember what it may be. I know the feelings you describe all too well with the death of my dear friend Linda. I still think, Oh, Linda would LOVE this! I can't even watch Racheal Ray anymore because she was such a fan. All I think of is how much I miss her!
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