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After weeks of quarantine, all of us are anxious to begin finding our new normal, but what will it look like? Do we really want to go back to rushing from here to there with stressed out family members who rarely have time to sit down to dinner together? Can we keep the good things that have come out of this “shelter-in-place” order when finding our new normal? Will we continue to find more time for creating lifelong memories in everyday moments, or will we revert to our old status quo? What is God’s best for our families?
What if?
What if instead of behind these kids are ahead? Jamie Ragsdale, writer at altogethermostly.com, asked this question, then proceeded to ask question after thought-provoking question about the possible positive effects of the stay-home orders on today’s generation of children. People shared it on social media and it was even syndicated, though without proper credit to the author. Maybe you read it and hoped that things will be different as we begin finding our new normal.
In a similar way, I want to ask questions about the future of our families. That future will be guided by decisions of parents, coaches, teachers, pastors, and others in charge. Will we try our hardest to go back to the old way, or will we apply the things we have learned through this pandemic when finding our new normal?
Ask and ponder with me.
What if we apply all we have learned during our time at home?
What if we make our families a priority after the pandemic?
What if we have found regular family dinners so enjoyable that they are now a necessary part of our daily routine?
What if parents and kids continue to read, watch movies, play games, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors together?
What if school administrators learn the value of kids spending time with family and in free play and allow teachers to cut out extra homework so kids can have free evenings?
What if parents continue to appreciate teachers and take an active role in the education of their children?
What if teachers remember the joy of unconventional learning and find ways to use it in traditional classrooms?
What if coaches and athletic associations decide one or two games a week is enough for a great season so kids can still have time for family and rest?
What if Christians in charge of little leagues learned to value worshipping with the local Body of Christ so much that they no longer plan Sunday tournaments so families can be faithful in church?
What if neighbors continue to check on the elderly regularly, offer to bring the groceries, and send words of encouragement?
What if we all learned to value both the “essential” and the “non-essential” (but much missed) public workers and show it with courtesy, respect, and extra kindness?
What if we continue to make cards for the long-term care residents, send cookies to healthcare workers, express our thanks to law enforcement officers?
What if we continue to pray for our president, governors, mayors, and others in authority as they try to make the best decisions for our country or area?
What if we learned to appreciate our unique American freedom and both better use and better protect it?
What if our pastors continue to share sermons and devotions online so those who are unable to attend services can continue to be encouraged and grow in their faith?
What if Christians so value their faith families that nothing keeps them from church when they are well and able?
What if we continue to use good hygiene and the spread of viruses, infections, and common colds is reduced?
What if we learned to be more self-sufficient and continue to find ways to use our personal resources wisely, buy local, grow food, and sew more than masks?
What if we learned the value of rest and our new normal is slower and better for our minds and bodies?
What have you learned through this unique time in history?
More importantly, will you use what you have learned when finding your new normal?
When the today’s generation of children and teenagers look back on these days, I want them to remember the positive changes that came from this pandemic. I want them to remember a sudden flood of family fun and the beginning of a slower, more restful life.
In our little community the owners of a local family-owned restaurant went to pick-up only, then closed for a couple weeks during the pandemic. They recently reopened for pick-up and half-capacity dining with one major change: No more Sunday lunch buffet. This family realized how much they missed worshipping with their church family. It will cost them financially, but they are applying what they learned from staying home. Will you?
May God make us like the sons of Issachar. They underood the times and knew what their nation should do. How we need such wisdom in our families, states, and country!
What questions would you add to my list?
Do you think any of these will actually make a difference in the future? I’d love to hear from you in the comments or you can email me at marsha@iwantthemtoremember.com.
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