The phrase ‘New Normal’ has been adopted to remind us that after the pandemic, when a vaccination is available, our lives will not go back to the way they were.
This has been frightening and unwelcome news for some who are entrenched in their ‘now’ lives.
I think about those born-againers (including St. Paul) who, once Christ is encountered never look back,
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)
Paul embraced a new life in Christ; he went from persecutor to proclaimer.
So with the New Norm, I should look forwards, not backwards, not that my old way was garbage but perhaps it doesn’t have a place in the here and now of this new life I’m being asked to welcome.
Who knows, enforced retrospection may result in a less frenzied life.
I’m not fearful or frightened. Yes, the enemy is invisible but not invincible. I think my life can return to normal-with-tweaks. As a family we adopted new schedules and routines regularly and thought nothing of it.
My normal changed each time we went into summer break.
Then, when we emerged after Labour Day my calendar was all over the place until I settled back into my pre-break routine; then one year, when the children were older and walking and feeding themselves I commented to a fellow homeschooler,
“I just can’t seem to get into the swing of things this year; perhaps my new ‘swing of things’ is going to be scattered.”
And it was.
And happily I’m a flexible beast!
Hubs going out on tour leaving me with one, two, three, then four children under six to juggle with a full-time job brought me to deliberate breathing…
and ingenious adaptations:
A splattered bathroom mirror told me hands were being washed and teeth brushed…and children lived and laughed in this place.
A leisurely breakfast for dinner…why not? As long as I could switch the coffee for a Sauvignon Blanc I was game.
A tidy room was one where the bed was made…
We took time to smell the coffee and admire the daily squash flower.
On Hubs’ return, 6,8,13 months later, my new norm had become my norm and a new-new-norm was called on to develop. As St. Paul implies, moving forward is the only way.
The children who were infants had become toddlers, those who were toddlers became children, eventually they all became teens one year in search of their own norms.
I’m not the only one with a colourful history of new norms.
Have you ever had a new job?
Become parents for the first time?
Tied the knot?
Emptied the nest?
Bought a house, or moved apartments, cities or countries?
Changed your diet?
Swapped out a knee or two for plastic?
the main difference this time, I think, is that it’s affecting the whole world, at the same time, and we’re being told how our new norm is going to look…whether we like it or not…or stick out like a sore thumb while everyone else is hidden away.
If you know me at all you’ll know I don’t like being told what to do!
Wearing masks in public,
Staying socially distanced while shopping,
Refraining from hugging…I find myself reaching out to touch an arm, or tousle a head of hair, or whisper in an ear…elbowing is the new show of endearment…I never knew I was so touchy-feely until I was told I couldn’t be!
I’m having a hard time with this but the mantra continues
‘It’s invisible not invincible. Lord Help Me!”
I dream that one morning I’ll wake up and the pandemic will be over.
Pouf! Gone!
Like the short lived lacy field flowers.
If I can change my perspective about this virus I have no control over (except avoidance) I can let go of the old and greet the new with an open mind.
And if I have Christ my loss will be considered gain. (Philippians 3:8)
In the words of Zeppelin, let the new norm Ramble On!
We’ll all feel better for it.
Well hello there! My name is Vivienne McNeny.
I am an empty nester exploring life as a Boomer…you could say I'm happily Boomering along!
As a homeschooling Mum I have finally quit the job of role model and mentor to my four children. I do what I want to do, eat when I feel like it, enjoy life with my blue eyed cowboy and clean my house once a month or so whether it needs it or not!
In true English form I write about the emergence of my true identity now that I can no longer hide behind my children as their Mum.
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