We will not go back to normal. Normal never was. Our pre-corona existence was not normal other than we normalized greed, inequity, exhaustion, deletion, extraction, disconnection, confusion, rage, hoarding, hate and lack. We should not long to return, my friends. We are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment. one that fits all of humanity and nature.
Brenee Brown
I think that the Coronavirus and the resulting quarantine has caused us all to do some re-examination of our lives. Our “normal” has been ripped away. But is that necessarily a bad thing? It seems that many of our lives have been overly complicated and overtaken by the things of this world. I don’t believe that the way that most of us have been living is the way that God intended us to live. We have been consumed with things like wealth, technology, comparison – Brenee shares a whole list above. We have an opportunity to shape a new normal after this crisis is over.
Although many things about his crisis have been unpleasant, it has been refreshing to see families spending time together, people walking outside and just generally slowing down to rest. It seems that our world had come to see busyness as a badge of honor. We were constantly on our phones, serving as a taxi service for our kids, working around the clock, and going 100 miles a minute. Most of us had become more concerned about glorifying ourselves and enjoying the fruits that satisfy our worldly desires, than glorifying and enjoying a relationship with God. I’m not being critical, I’m guilty as well!
I would like to think that, as we come out of this, we begin to realize the importance of a simpler lifestyle where we are more focused on God and family than the distractions and shiny things that catch our attention in this world. Jesus says: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) The life that he speaks of is not about fortune, fame or material possessions. It is a life that is rich in love (of God and other people) where we are doing God’s work. To do this, we have to cut through the clutter in our lives, ditch the unimportant things, and manage the complications.
Coming out of this crisis, it is possible for us to live more focused, simple lives. We have to let go of things that hinder our walk with God, freeing ourselves up to live a life of commitment to Him. Here are some things to consider:
- Learn to live with what you need and within your means – Too many possessions just overcomplicates life, so go a little Marie Kondo! I probably don’t need the 20 pairs of boots that are in my closet. And after going through my clothes during this time, I don’t need to buy any more for quite some time.
- Take some breaks from social media and technology – We have become way too consumed with this in my opinion. I know you are important – but you don’t have to jump to look at every text or email immediately, or every Instagram post😊
- Spend time in nature – Spending time in God’s beautiful creation helps us to manage stress and anxiety and move our bodies while we are at it.
- Don’t try to be more or less than God’s design for you – We were all created with certain gifts, talents and a purpose. Focus on those and stop trying to be more or less than you were meant to be.
- Devote time to your family and people you enjoy – I know that I was so busy when my kids were growing up that much of it is now a blur. Slow down to enjoy time with those that your cherish. This also may involve decreasing time spent with toxic people that complicate your life.
- Be still and make time for God each day – Practice quiet time with God each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Prioritize and schedule it!
- Be careful not to have work or achievement become an idol in your life – Although work is important to our liveliness and certainly important, we shouldn’t let it take over our lives.
- Last but not least, keep an eternal focus – We are told not to conform to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2) and that this world is not our home so not to become too cozy in it (1 Corinthians 4:2).
“…and make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11
