April 22
“It is what it is.” A coping quote for me, Norm didn’t like it, considering it the sign of a fatalistic attitude. But for me, it indicated a situation that would not change, and my need to figure out how to respond despite the circumstance.
My grandson, Sawyer, told his friends, “My mommy is sad because Poppop is dead.”
It is what it is. Norm is gone from this world. That won’t change. One day I’ll see him again in heaven, but right now, I need to figure out how to respond to life. I have a new normal…well, I’m trying to figure out my new normal.
9/11…we all got a new normal. We could no longer see friends off or greet friends at the gate. We had to remove shoes and belts to go through the long lines at the airports. Some of us have been subjected to embarrassing searches in the name of security.
Covid brought a new normal. I still give people space when in a line. A negative of covid, a lot of Americans are no longer kind. Hospitals and restaurants have to remind us to be kind to the people who are serving us.
It is what it is.
How am I adjusting? Some days better than others. Today I watched a recording of our church service from several weeks ago. I will say this, that is a positive result of covid, church services on line, so that we can hear what we’ve missed.
Chris spoke about the need for singing in our worship, and just for our life in general. When we sing the Word of God, we are engaging our minds, emotions and spirit, all with that one act. it encourages and lifts us up, so that we can serve the Lord more effectively.
The sermon made me realize that I’m not singing like I used to. I think it’s a side effect of what I’ve been through these last few months…but I don’t have to stay there. I can choose to sing. I can make a conscious effort to sing and praise the Lord, despite my circumstances.
When I got in the car today, I listened to the Imperials, the first song, “Praise the Lord”…regardless of the circumstances, the Lord is faithful.
Where’s the joy?
I am thankful that the Lord gave us music to encourage, challenge, and uplift us.
I pray for wisdom to walk this new normal in a way that brings honor to Him.
I rejoice that God is always faithful and worthy of all praise and honor.
Where’s the joy? There are lots of reasons to have joy…music, family and friends.
TRICIA LATHROP 