We often notes: Nothing in life is wasted. That does not only apply to wise living or productivity or our experiences in life but is also true in how to transition from COVID.
Whenever significant times come we are challenged. And in these COVID-historic times not only did we have our old norm upset but it’s been so long a new norm developed. And while our quarantine/safer-at-home, mask wearing, etc. was jarring, it is also going to be jarring as we go back.
You could think of it like this:
- Usual old norm—> Temporary new norm—> Usual new norm.
That’s a lot of change in a short amount of time. And it does call for
And in these COVID-historic times not only did we have a our old norm upset but it’s been so long a new norm developed.
Getting Back to (a New) Normal
Things will not be as they were. Our lives, thinking, and experiences have all changed us. We will not go back to “the way it used to be” in many ways.
In “returning to normal,” whether you look at two years ago or three months ago, we will be in a time of transition. That will be practical (time at home, masks at work or school) but also emotional, relational, and psychological. And all of this will continue to impact your living a spiritual life.
Times of change or transition often bring out new things in us. What could that look like for you? Here are some ideas to begin with.
What You May Experience
This adjustment to a new norm will have a response on you. This response to norms can look like a lot of different things depending upon who you are. Watch for various things. Some will be positive. Some negative.
It is always good to identify why we are responding the way we are as we seek God’s strength in such times. So we’ll explore some of the negative signs that may challenge you or those around you.
- Depression or Down: You may find yourself lacking hope. Life is getting better but it’s like you can’t feel it.
- Exhaustion: Whether you renew socially or in solitude, coming back into more relationships in person can be over stimulating. In this time your brain has adjusted to a lower engagement. And you may feel it physically.
- Isolation: Depending upon your own choices or the choices of others, you may not have the same relationship pool to physically get together. This can feel isolating and discouraging.
- Bitterness: As you come back into more regular relationship, it may bring back joyful but also hard feelings. Some may experience a bitterness of heart to those you feel you “should” have heard or you feel like “should” have cared. Or even see people you realize you could have cared for.
- Frustration: You may experience this with those (people, schools, church) who do not return to things as quickly or as slowly as you. Don’t be surprised if some are at different places than you. (Just being aware of this helps us be patient with others.)
- Fear of People: After having an avoidant posture there will be, even if unrealized, a slight pulling back, whether you or someone you know. Your brain has had some formation in caution so adjusting that may take time. It may not even be noticed by you but can come out feeling some of the things above, like exhausted.
4 Choices for How to Transition from COVID
Okay, so what can we do then?
If you are a follower of Jesus, there is another work in your life in the Holy Spirit. He leads into truth and life. (If you are not a Christian, feel free to begin just talking with God about your needs and feelings of this time (by the way, that’s prayer!). You may be surprised at what happens.)
- Lower Expectations (for yourself and others): Our perspective is hard to adjust when we have high expectations. High expectations put us or others in a place they can’t reach. Give grace to yourself — and to others. When the difficult moments come, don’t be surprised but talk with God about them such as “God, I am disappointed that _____ didn’t come over.” This heart attitude is expressed well in Romans 12:3 where it reads:
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
- Pause to explore “goods”: There are many COVID disappointments. (For me, I know there are ministry, family, and even vacation and fun I missed for myself as well as my family.) But even in these nothing is wasted in life — God does work uniquely in such times and brings some good. For example a good for me was that somethings were loosened in importance and reprioritized. Or, like me, some things may have been revealed that you can change and grow in Christ. And even those are “goods” of this time. What are one or two goods to thank God today?
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
- Pause to explore what things you have to lament: It is entirely appropriate to acknowledge our disappointments, pain, grief, or other feelings. It is not good to push them down and try to ignore them. But when we name them they are more easily processed (not just emotionally but neurobiologically). Write down some of your disappointments. Let yourself feel disappointed. Or, if on the go, share it with God “God I am still really frustrated about ______.”
And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. – Romans 8:23
- Forgive — and ask forgiveness — where needed: Many relationships are in tension over masks, decisions in your church, workplace or employment challenges, politics, church-state relation views, and many other things. One key tip to forgiveness that comes from a classic reminder: we judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions.* God is working in your forgiveness even when it is hard.
“…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” -Colossians 3:13
The road ahead is hopeful but will not be without challenges. There is a “new usual norm” coming — with another one after that.
And another one after that.
And another one after that.
May you experience God’s presence with more and more of His peace in these times.
What ideas or tips do you have?
*There are various versions of this quote with a recently noted one from Stephen Covey and his “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”.
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