the new normal

When the dust finally settles in Joplin, our friends there will be facing a new normal.  Landmarks gone.  Old growth trees gone.  The population of the city will decrease.  It's ability to fund city services through taxes will decrease.  Friends are gone.  The composition of the community will change.  But, the community will go on.  New landmarks, new trees, new people.  New life.  Different, but still good.

I wonder if our country as a whole is entering a new normal.  Things are different.  Things are constricted.  Gas is up.  Job availability is down.  Many have changed jobs or taken a pay cut.  Raises have not been given at the church for three years.  My wife's company has raised her travel requirements from three days to five days per week.  Many retired folks have returned to the work force.

And so, there is this feeling that I find in people.  Not quite a sadness, not quite a malaise, just a kind of stunned wishing for the good old days.  Little d depression.  A wondering about the future. 

For some, it was easier to love God when He seemed to be making life good.  When God made life good, we had more time for him, more effort for him, and more money for him.  Now, it is easy for him to just fall into the black hole of worry with everything else.

But, I would like to offer a different picture.  Yes things constrict, but life is still good.  I may push carts at Walmart after I retire, but life is still good.  God is still good.  All the time.  In fact, God thrives in difficult times.  He is an expert at standing with those who are hurting.  He longs for the time when we love him for who he is and not just for what he brings us.  If you are discouraged about life, don't be discouraged about God.  He loves you and stands beside you.  In the dark valley, he is with you.  All is well.  The world may seem like a different place, but we have the same Creator and his eye is still on the sparrow.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.