
A new normal is in the works for us. What exactly that will be is yet to be written. It is more likely than not a combination of what we perceived as routine before Covid hit and the adjusted life that has become part of our world since then. Uncertainty is everywhere and at times it feels like we are frozen in place.
As we have evolved into 2021 it hasn’t been as if much has really transitioned as we had hoped. The magic corner did not feel impactful when January 1st hit the scene. The unrest is still floating in the air, social distancing is still governing our lives and we truly do not know what the future holds in many arenas. There seems to be a distrust as to what the media is really telling us as many sources convey conflicting facts. Where can we put a solid foot on the ground to go forward? It is unsettling to say the least!
I believe we must be patient and ride this wave but keep our values solid and sure. That will provide the foundation in which to build new guidelines as attempts are made to sort things out. The tricky element is that we have been in limbo for so long that an underlying urgency is beginning to erupt from within. As we head toward Spring, a sign of new life, it is natural to want to shed the restricted way in which we have found ourselves and burst free.
I foresee a hybrid atmosphere as we advance into the next plateau. We have shifted our world to include more home entertainment and a far more relaxed personal routine…… and we may want to continue to hold on to that. We have adapted to alternative ways in which to feed our families as we have gravitated to convenient pickup or delivery of our groceries, ordering ready-made meals to simply pop in the oven or converted to “take-out” dining. Online shopping has more or less replaced the in-store version. Even traveling has taken on modifications as we notice more RV’s on the road. Campgrounds are bursting to capacity and people are taking shorter road trips just to get a change of scenery. Will we really give this all up when it makes our lives so much easier?
With that being said, however, the general population is eager to resume in-house dining in their favorite restaurants, if they are still in business, and make “put on hold” vacations plans. We want the freedom to enjoy “in person” spectator sports and follow our favorite team as before. We simply want to go where we like.
I see a merging of both approaches as we cultivate and encourage what lies ahead. We no longer will take our good health for granted. We know now that exposure to disease and viruses will always be out there ready to attack so we might want to hold on to more cautious and protective measures.
On top of the Covid infliction that surrounds us, I also think of the raging wildfires that plagued us this past fall, or the floods and the windstorms after that, could God be trying to get our attention? And, our country has not been “playing nice” for quite some time and in some viewpoints gotten so far off track we might not find out way back to the basics and the words written in our nation’s Constitution. It is impossible to know what truly goes on behind the scenes that has brought us so far off course. Be it as it may we must continue to follow our hearts and stand strong for what is right and true.
As we try to figure this all out, we must decide what makes sense to us. Everyone is different with different needs, ideas and values. If we can start with the foundation of what is most important and go from there we will probably find our way. For some it is simply a matter of survival that dictates the pathway. For me, I must follow the journey laid out for me and be true to that……and maintain flexibility. If that means that my family and friends are first, I must improve my listening skills to hear both sides, and challenge myself to prioritize what is really important……..the rest will fall into place.
Whatever lies ahead we must not lose sight of existing as one and united in the same cause of caring for one another. We do not have to always agree but above all “maintain respect” so that we can once again be “United under God”, grateful for what we have and in a healthy environment.