The New Normal

What does that mean? What was normal to begin with?  Today I came into the office.  I knew that I would probably sit in the office for a few hours.  I need to do this.  It gives me direction and grounds me at the same time.

When I was in seminary there wasn’t any kind of preparation for ministry in the time of a pandemic.  The nearest I can recall was the chapel being open after the Oklahoma City bombing.   Even after September 11, 2001- the community was able to gather in the sanctuary of the church I was serving.   Ecumenical and interfaith worship services were events that brought people together.  Now, it seems that this is not an option.

We are being discouraged from gathering in groups larger than 10, and now are encouraged to keep our social distance.   If we should find ourselves close to others, we are told to keep six feet from the other.  As a person who somewhat embraces the idea of personal space, this comes as a minor relief.

The new normal—this is the RIGHT thing to do.  There is a lot of information out there, floating in the ether.  It is near impossible to know what the facts are, and the data changes with the hour.   The best we can do is be our best selves.

I plan to write more regularly on this blog and it is my hope that you will find some comfort, pleasure, or normalcy in these words.   Maybe the new normal will be a nice change.

I pray peace, blessings, and safety in these new times.  And if you feel that you are too isolated, please reach out!

In Christian Love-  Rev. Will