A Different Norm

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A Different Norm
This weekend, I would normally be settling in to watch a full day of college basketball, which would normally be followed by three weeks of March Madness. I might occasionally switch channels to the final rounds of the Players Championship in anticipation of the upcoming Master’s Tournament and I would not be watching the news and press conferences.
Normally, I would have had my hair cut this morning. I wouldn’t be worried about touching my face or making sure I wash or sanitize my hands after touching every foreign object. And I would not have the phrase “social distancing” as part of my vocabulary. And normally, our communities wouldn’t be clearing the shelves of toilet paper and taking such drastic measures
to isolate and protect ourselves.
I know we’re all feeling frustrated and anxious, and struggling to remain calm in the midst of all the chaos and fear. So here are a couple of suggestions from a fellow struggler with the hope that they will provide some comfort in these unsettling times.

Be informed, but don’t allow fear to consume you.
Take a break from the news and do something that relaxes or brings you joy. You can stay informed by checking one trustworthy news source. But obsessively listening to the fear-based theories and stories will only create more fear. At this point, less is more

Be cautious, but don’t disconnect.
Practice social distancing and solitude when necessary, but stay in touch with your friends and family. We are blessed to have the technology to call, text, email, and video chat with the people we care about. And since everything seems to be shutting down, you might even have time to write a real handwritten letter.

Be calm and enjoy the downtime.
You can spend the extra time you have at home doing things that uplift and relax you. Watch a movie, read a book, take a walk, or listen to music. And although many churches are canceling public gatherings, you can still find their sermons streaming online.

One of the most positive things I’ve heard that I keep coming back to is this: We are in this together, we will get through this, and God is enough. And we will. By coming together, even if physically separated, and by leaning on God for guidance and comfort, we will get through this.

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

So please, be informed, be cautious, and be calm. And remember He has you and the whole world in His hands (sanitized and germ-free).
-- A Norvell Note