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4 Things We Can Learn From Our New Normal

4/10/2020

18 Comments

 
4 Things We Can Learn From Our New Normal
​​The word background can be defined as:
“The area of scenery behind the MAIN object of contemplation, especially when perceived as a framework for it.”

​“The circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular event.”
Both of these definitions hold relevance to the current path we all find ourselves walking.

Our days continually mirror the day before. What, just days ago, was our “main thing” has been placed in the “behind the scenes” of our lives, and not by our choosing.

Today, let's explore four things we can learn from being forced to bring all we once minimized to the maximum “front seat” position in our new normal routine.
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  1. Our backgrounds have been filled with a tremendous amount of noise in our lives. Bringing those distractions to the forefront can provide us with an enormous privilege to turn down the volume and even silence those sounds that are so draining. 

    Until now, there was limited time to address the static that was on repeat. Realizing how much TV, Netflix, news, Twitter and similar voices have monopolized our existence is a healthy and freeing exercise. As I write this, I am resting in a hammock in our front yard. My ears are soaking in the refreshing sounds of chirping birds, cool breezes, and children playing. These amazing sounds have been drowned out for far too long!

  2. The background in our lives should, in reality, play a major role in defining who we are. Sadly, our selfie society has corrupted this fact. Scrolling through Facebook or Instagram has taken on a striking contrast from what met my eyes previously.

    ​Now, as I slide my finger up, I see church services, prayer requests, devotional thoughts, and sentiments of praise for health, family, and God. Just weeks ago, this same feed focused on the external. Those of us who know and serve a risen Savior should have claimed this framework long ago. The eternal is the ‘MAIN” thing as Christ reminds us in Matthew. 

    “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” ​​Matthew 6:33

    We have been reminded that today is all we may have for laying up treasures that will not pass away, and tomorrow is never a guarantee.

  3. We are beginning to realize that our background has been the keeper of our greatest gifts. Before this time in our society, our homes, our Bibles, our families, and our health were things that had been pushed increasingly to the peripheral. Now, these things are all we have in our “shelter in place” way of life.

    These things have the space they needed to capture our focus. Home improvement projects, family hikes, and Bible reading with our morning coffee are the events on our schedule that sustain our escape from the mundane. They keep our days moving and give us a sense of purpose. 

    These things have needed our attention, but were crowded out by the “norm” we knew. Psalm 118:24 sums it up: “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 

    We can rejoice in this day. It has been given as a gift, just as the days before. Now we can open this day with a brand new attitude and perspective.

  4. The current world backdrop is filled with uncertainty and insecurity. As mentioned in the second point above, this framework is not a respecter of persons. Across the globe, every nation and culture is being smothered by the weight of the unknown. Circumstances, such as loss of jobs and incomes, sick loved ones, being responsible for the education children, or the scarcity of needed supplies can grip people’s hearts with fear. When this perilous pause we are living allows our life to hit play again, there is no point of reference for what our new “normal” will look like.
Thankfully, this is only a glimpse of our world’s backdrop and not at all the full reality. Taking our lense and widening our scope we will see a landscape so different and filled with hope.
“God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:8
This truth changes the scenery dramatically! God’s viewpoint, perspective, power, dominion, and eternal character has always been and will remain the same. This truth that we know, but rarely put “front and center” in our daily living, must now be our “MAIN” stay.
​Reflecting and anchoring ourselves on Scripture: Psalm 91:1 and Psalm 103:19, can not only be a center, right for our own hearts, but for our neighbors and a lost world as well. 
“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;” Psalm 91:1
​
“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules overall.” Psalm 103:19
Our backgrounds are getting the attention they have desperately needed. No one knows for sure when this current status will be updated and we will be able to check-in at our favorite places again. For now, we can give praise to the fact that our backgrounds are getting the attention they have desperately needed.
The reality that God still reigns and nothing will ever change that can be put on the pedestal of our hearts and minds where it should have been and should remain.
  • Our houses will be cleaner.
  • Our bodies will be rested and mobile.
  • Our social media feeds will be refreshed and hopeful.
  • Our ears will be tuned into the sweet sounds of nature and loved ones.
Most importantly though, we can take comfort in this fact: Being forced to push our backgrounds to the forefront will produce fruit that only eternity can measure. To God be the glory and praise!
Christine

One More Small Book

In this small format, eight-page, hardback book, When Trouble Comes, Jim Berg presents four truths for believers who are facing a crisis of life. These truths act as “spiritual CPR” to stabilize Christians, or those they are helping, in the event of sudden calamity. These truths are the spiritual anchors for those whose minds are spinning and perhaps numb from unexpected tragedy and suffering. ​
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The book is especially helpful when believers are trying to minister to unbelieving loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors who need to hear the gospel presented in a compassionate and hopeful manner during their crisis.

Hospital, military, and first-responder chaplains have distributed this book widely in their ministries to those in their care. Churches have given the book to first-responders in their communities at annual church services honoring those in the community who serve them.

The book is dedicated to those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, and written so readers will understand that God through His Word has provided the comfort and direction needed in times of crisis. 
The separate fifty-page When Trouble Comes Study Guide guides the reader through a four-week Bible study applying the four truths for times of trouble contained in the book. This is an excellent evangelistic Bible study when ministering to the lost who are facing trouble.

Listen to the audio version here.

What have you learned from your "New Normal?"
Please Share
18 Comments
Laurie link
4/10/2020 11:05:14 am

Wonderful thoughts on "background", Patsy. We do tend to take some things for granted, to allow them to slide into the background. I especially loved this line: "We have been reminded that today is all we may have for laying up treasures that will not pass away, and tomorrow is never a guarantee." So true! We are not guaranteed tomorrow. We need to live our lives with our focus on the eternal.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:01:17 pm

I LOVE that quote too, Laurie —> "We have been reminded that today is all we may have for laying up treasures that will not pass away, and tomorrow is never a guarantee." :)

Reply
Karen Del Tatto link
4/10/2020 11:20:17 am

Thank you for sharing these insights on what we can learn from the new normal. I found it very interesting what you were saying about the fact that what used to be in the background of our lives is now front and center because of the new normal.

My husband and I are always ones that have a slower pace and go for walks. In the weeks prior to the shelter in place, I thought to myself, "where were all these people that are out and about walking now before things slowly started shutting down? Did they never go for walks before?"

But I am no different in other areas. Now I am making more time for slowing down and reading (something I used to only do on vacation). I am also able to spend much more time devoted to my blog ministry which has been a great blessing.

Thanks so much for sharing.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:08:47 pm

I found that interesting as well, Karen! "...what used to be in the background of our lives is now front and center because of the new normal." And the more I thought about it, the more I saw it ring true.

And I saw the same things on our little street—people I'd never seen out walking were walking! I had to think, "Good for you!" I hope this becomes a habit for them. I hope we all learned to enjoy a slower pace of life and how to enjoy things that so often got pushed to the background before the pandemic.

Reply
Annie link
4/11/2020 01:15:30 am

A shift in perspective can go a long way toward joy in the midst of our trials. I’ve started a “praises in the pandemic” journal, and some of the things you’ve mentioned are on there. We are definitely in the midst of heavy and heartbreaking times, but there are so many blessings in it. No matter what, we can always find something to thank God for!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:11:31 pm

It's ALL about the perspective, Annie! I LOVE THIS!!! —> a “praises in the pandemic” journal. That's awesome! What a great idea! And yes, there are so many blessings, like little hidden gems, to be found in the pandemic. Perspective!

Reply
Maree dee link
4/11/2020 09:53:05 am

I have been amazed at all of the good coming out of "our new normal." I loved reading your thoughts. Happy Easter! Maree

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:12:31 pm

Yes, Maree, there is lots of good there too!

Reply
Susan link
4/11/2020 01:11:36 pm

Such truth. We have been living in perpetual "busy" for so long that being able to sit and simply rest in a moment is a gift.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:18:35 pm

YES, Susan! "Perpetual busy" is a soul-drainer and a life-killer!!! This pandemic has really made me stop and take an inventory of life and my busy state of mind. It's made me realize that I don't have to live that way. None of us do!

Reply
Brittany link
4/13/2020 01:01:07 pm

So many thing have indeed changed in light of Covid. The people that need us the most get the attention they need. Love this 💕

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:52:15 pm

Thank you, Brittany!

Reply
Ginger Harrington link
4/13/2020 01:34:54 pm

I've really loved spending more time with my adult children who have come home. It has been a sweet blessing to have this extended and quiet time with them.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:54:55 pm

There are so many sweet blessings hidden in the pandemic. Spending time with those we love is just one of them. Glad you got to spend this time with your adult children, Ginger! That is for sure a sweet blessing!

Reply
Wendy @ One Exceptional Life link
4/14/2020 08:02:32 am

What a great perspective of the background being pushed front and center, Patsy. It's so important to grow your faith, lean on the Lord and continue to trust that He has the whole world in His hands. I am so thankful for my God who comforts and gives us courage in a scary, uncertain time.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:56:41 pm

You are so right, Wendy, it's SO important, and this has been such an excellent time for us to kick that into high gear!

Reply
Jennifer DeFrates link
4/15/2020 07:50:30 pm

I agree that we've discovered a lot of joy in the quietness and the family time and we have to trust God that He has a plan for all this.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 05:57:29 pm

He does, Jennifer!

Reply

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