WATCHWORD:
Greater love has no one than this,
that one lays down his life for his friends.
~ John 15:13 ~
On this Memorial Day, we think of the many veterans, many part of this network, who served in the military during various times of threat to our national security. The current threat among us is not a nation, it is an unseen, vicious, taker of lives. So, we honor not only our military veterans, but also those that have stepped into the breach to bring healing to the virus afflicted and, too often, have given their lives. This, too, is their day.
Meditation:
God’s Yard Sale
On this day, I offer a departure from our usual format. A story, a personal story, perhaps your story. As you read this, you are the “ME”, and consider this a prayer conversation with God.
God’s Yard Sale: New Normals
Try them for 100 days
If not satisfied, you may have your Old Normal back, guaranteed.
ME: Well, Lord, I am really beginning to like most of this New Normal. It’s relaxing, it has opened my eyes to so many of your gifts and graces. It has given me a greater appreciation for my neighbors, my friends and all of my loved ones. It has shown me new ways of relating to others. I really do appreciate almost everything contained in this New Normal of Yours…except, maybe not being able to reach out and shake a hand, or give a person hug, or go to a movie, or worship at my church, or dine out —
ME: Lord, I think about all of that, and those last few things that I just mentioned, they were all part of my Old Normal. Now, I have given this careful thought, and I think that I would like my Old Normal back. You said it was guaranteed.
GOD: Yes, it is guaranteed. But, My Child, are you sure?
ME: Yes, Lord, I’m sure. I would like my Old Normal back but I do want to say thank you for showing me your new improved Normal. As I said, so much of it I have really enjoyed.
GOD: Alright, My Child, if you’re sure.
ME: Yes, Lord, I’m sure. Except, if you’ll allow me, I really would rather not have the part of my Old Normal where I’m arguing with my neighbor. That is not a good time and I don’t want it to be part of my Old Normal anymore.
GOD: But, My Child —
ME: I really look forward to experiencing again that Old Normal of mine, because I do miss the dinner gang, that one I really look forward to—
ME: Another thing, Lord, if I may. You know those times, often throughout the day, I have asked you to help me sort through some problem or other, well, I would like to take that with me when I am back to my Old Normal.
GOD: But My Child —
ME: Oh, one other thing I have enjoyed about your New Normal, Lord, is how I don’t feel guilty all the time for not doing some things. Could I take that with me?
GOD: But My Child —
ME: Heavenly Father, I want my Old Normal back, but could you leave the arthritis out? And, my old tendency to not call loved ones often, then feeling bad about it. Could you leave that out, too?
ME: And Father, I have really appreciated the closeness that you and I have been over these 100 days. I know in my Old Normal it wasn’t that good. So, if I may, when you return me to my Old Normal could I please bring that element along and maintain our closeness.
GOD: My Child, I am always here. I am always close. There was never a time when you could not fellowship with me throughout every moment of your life. If you return to what you call your Old Normal, that will still be the case, but that will rest entirely with you, for you are loved.
ME: Oh, Heavenly Father, I think I may have forgotten that. Please forgive me. And, oh, there is one other thing–
GOD: My Child, I want you to be at peace, be still, and know. The life that I give you is the life that I give you. That which you have called the New Normal life, that you have experienced in me during these 100 days, is that life. What you call your Old Normal, is what you have fashioned out of the gifts and graces that I have given you over your lifetime. It is your life and if you wish your Old Normal to return, you will again be able to fashion your days from the gifts and graces that I will continue to give you. But, your Old Normal will stay with you.
ME: But, Lord, I only want some of what I had, I don’t want it all. Why can’t I just have—
GOD: Son, My Child that which you are referring to as Old Normal, was New Normal when I gave it to you, so many years ago. What you are asking is to return to the New Normal I gave you when you were but a child, and I will do that. But you will need to assume all the days of that Normal, those you really like and those that you would rather forget.
GOD: My dearly beloved Child, what you have in your hand, and what you hold in your memory from your life, are all gifts from Me. Each moment of your life has contained two elements of my love for you. One is the promise and the gift of my unending love for you. It is a love that has watched over you. That has spoken to you. That has cared for you along the path that I have laid out for you. It is what I guarantee, for you are a chosen one.
GOD: The other element of My love for you, the part which I consider priceless, is the gift of adversity. I suspect you have a hard time understanding that element of my love for you, but nevertheless, I speak truth. Adversity is so very special, despite the pain that often comes with it. Adversity is a gift that brings you closer to me and opens the door to peace for you.
GOD: That first element of My love for you, the unending part when I’m watching over you, you have come to except and I’ve watched you grow in love and I am proud of you. The element of adversity, though, has strengthened you, has deepened your Faith in Me, it has drawn you closer to me.
GOD: Do you understand, My Child?
ME: I think I do. You have shown me the better way, a way that is closer to you and to what your Son, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, has modeled for us. I believe you are saying to me that the New Normal that I crave, is already mine, and has been every moment of my life since the beginning. That Old Normal is a myth. Those parts of that life that I crave, are still mine, nothing has changed. You are there. You love me. You have always loved me. I simply strayed a bit, and this is what you have shown me, still another of your wonderful gifts.
ME: Oh, and this adversity? You are right, Lord. I believe it has strengthened me and my commitment, my faith, has a new shine to it, if I may put it that way.
ME: So, if it is all the same to you, Lord, I’ll just stay right here in this Normal of mine, resting in your arms, where peace resides. Comforted in the knowledge that you are with me throughout this precious life that you have given to me, and, help me Lord, to be closer to you, to call upon your help in all of my circumstances, and help me to be committed to Your Will, and to all that you have placed on my heart. Amen.
Stan Escott
