People are very open-minded about new things, as long as they’re exactly like the old ones.

Charles F. Kettering

Should we want our lives and ourselves to simply return to “normal?” One of the valuable takeaways from this experience is the opportunity to re-examine what that might mean in the future. Yes, there is much “normal” I look forward to. For instance, not wearing a mask when I go to church or the store or anywhere. Ever again. Seeing the businesses in my community prospering is another.

On a personal level, however, I want change, change that cooperates with the Holy Spirit. Following is a list for your consideration:

1. One of the best ways, said my pastor recently, to activate God’s grace for the needs in our lives is to give grace to other people. I will do this much more generously.
2. Also: Since I have Christ, His Spirit, and His church, I am free from the relentless rush of opinions, fears, and false urgency of this season. This is true for any season for the remaining years of my earthly life.
3. Thorin, leader of the band of dwarves who showed up at Bilbo’s house in The Hobbit, shared this gem with his comrades: There’s nothing like looking if you want to find something. I will look for the best in people. It’s there somewhere.
4. I want the familiar and comforting, but also a life that is more agile, a life with greater flexibility that comes with enduring a long and wearisome season. I suspect that what I need is increased production of the Fruit of the Spirit. That would be love – from which springs joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Which pretty much covers it.
5. I will expect difficulty, but will not despair.
6. I will treat unhealthy thoughts like junk mail – to remain unopened and tossed immediately.
7. Then I will choose joy. An attitude of joy, an outlook of joy, a determination to lighten the burdens of others with a spirit of joy.
8. I will take responsibility for my personal growth by being teachable and coachable.
9. I will be thankful.

Copy my plan if you like. Or make your own. Be intentional. In the midst of the chaos, unease, uncertainty, choose changes that the children, grandchildren, or young people in your life will benefit most from seeing modeled. Ones that will result in loving, watchful care for each other, tender mercies, a hand to hold, to reach out and share the load of another.

In the 520 b.c., the exiles who had returned from Babylon had been struggling for sixteen years in a massive undertaking to rebuild the temple. Mocked, harassed, even attacked by enemies, they were deeply discouraged and had ceased working. What is God’s response? He sends a prophet, not to scold or chastise, but to deliver this message:

Be strong, be strong, be strong, all you people of the land, for I am with you, says the Lord. My Spirit remains among you; do not fear! From Haggai 2: 4-5

The temple was finished in five years.

God has never changed that message. This season will surely pass. And regardless of the ultimate impact on the world or the country or the culture, our work as followers of Christ remains the same. Be strong and filled with courage! Your post-pandemic self has important work to do for God’s kingdom.