New Normals...

One of the most consistent - inconsistencies in life,  is change. 

I first heard the term “a new normal” when we first had kids and the huge change to your daily life that comes with feeding and changing diapers and lack of sleep and new anxiety, of course also cuteness, cuddles and coos that are a cool new addition to the routine. But if you’re thinking, “it will be like this forever”…get ready. 

Just when you think you have found your stride...just when something seems to be long-term and a routine is in place…it changes. I think it's almost better now to think in terms of seasons. A season of consistency here...A season of stability there...and then...wait for it...New happens... 

New schools, new phases, new teammates, new bosses, new locations, new friends, new communities, new priorities. 

I have been someone who values the un-changed.  As Garth Algar said "we fear change"... But fear of change is irrational, like fear of sunlight. It is going to happen and when it does it only brings benefit to your life...The burning underbrush that clears the way for new growth and clear line of sight...Of course with this new, comes the grieving of the past...things that were good...places you were used to...people that made life, normal.  

For me, a voice that often whispers is “you are replaceable” “ un-needed” “easily forgettable” Someone once said “if the Colts can trade Peyton Manning, then you don’t stand a chance.” And the temptation is to believe that lie. It’s believable though, because change and new normals can be really difficult and so I end up in replay mode about the past, which I can’t change…or focused on the horizon, which I can’t get to in a straight line…instead of accepting the here and now and believing in the value God has placed on me right now. 

The trick is to learn how to see things in present tense...contentment with the ability to adapt to what's under my feet. This path...not the next...or the one behind. 

In the second act...I am learning to embrace the new normals...I can enjoy the rhythm of this now. Tap my foot to the music for today...Remember that I don't have to go looking for the New Normal...It's just down the trail...around the next turn. (Also Peyton did just fine after he left the Colts)