A New Normal

The last couple of weeks have been busy for me, as with you most likely. We have a “new normal”. One of my dear friends shared that term with me the other day and it resonated with my spirit.

My huge snowman collection is not sitting around, just a “couple” I made this year. Our large Christmas tree is not up. Instead, a white three foot “Coastal Christmas Tree” sits on a table, which is adorable.

Things are not the same since the boys have grown and gotten married. We have learned to share them with another family, as it should be.

I cannot continue to live off of past memories and be sad when things are not as they once were. Life is full of expected and unexpected changes. Time for a “new normal”.

I have addressed several sympathy cards lately. People we know are hurting. Diseases, fires, storms and other circumstances have affected lives in dozens of ways.

The dynamics change at each year’s family Christmas celebrations. A “new normal” may need permission to be present.

Trying to live up to “holiday traditions” and expectations can be exhausting and painful. We put such pressure on ourselves. Sometimes the holidays are glaring reminders of the pain that is present.

I need to be more mindful of those hurting this season. It is okay for it to be different this year. It is okay to create a “new normal”. Next year might bring another “new normal”. While traditions are fine and lovely, if this year is different…remember it is okay!

I am learning this year not to be caught up in what is expected, what the holiday should look like…I am being reminded to care about those hurting and help them through what might be a painful season for them. And I am reminded that “new” is all around as my sister has become a grandmother…a sweet “new normal”.

Getting all the “expectations” out-of-the-way has reminded me to keep my eye on the one whose birth we celebrate…JESUS. For without Him I am nothing.

Danny Gokey…Give Me Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbh43MGoigw

You may be hurting as you read this…always remember….