What Is “Normal” Worth?

Kyle Stutzman

Something that has been on my mind this week is this new pattern of life we live in. All of our interaction and socializing is online, on some digital platform. I hear so many people saying they can’t wait to get back to “normal.” There’s a feeling of desperation and urgency in this desire to go back to what we used to have. People are feeling disconnected and desire for that life pattern we used to live. But here’s the question I’ve been asking:

What even is “normal?” And what part of our old “normal” is worth going back to?

This question rings in my head because I think I want to go back to normal for my comfort. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot worth getting back to normal for. But I think this is a perfect season to reflect and reconsider what our normal should be. I came up with three lists this week, and I figured I’d share those thoughts with you! When I was a kid, my mom would go through my toys and ask me “keep or throw?” and I’d decide if it’s worth keeping or to throw it away. So I put my list this way: What to Keep, What to Throw, and What to make our “New Normal.”

What to Keep

  • Meeting together

    • Nothing is better than being with friends, family, and OIKOS!

  • Eating together

    • Honestly, I really miss restaurants. But, eating with people is one of the best ways to connect.

  • The freedom to go!

    • There’s so much joy in spontaneous drives, quick weekend getaways, and going places. That is something worth keeping and doing more of!

What to Throw

  • Selfishness

    • No longer should we live selfishly. This season shows us our need to live with one another and help each other. 

  • Greed

    • We hold nothing to ourselves, we have to live generously and help those in need.

  • The “Individual” Mindset

    • Looking out for number one! We can no longer live for ourselves, we have to be the light of Christ to those around us. 

What to make our “New Normal”

  • A true lifestyle of Prayer

    • We must seek God first above all. This time shows us how desperate we are for His presence. 

  • Fearless Living and Reckless Faith

    • As Jim says, we should be: “Absurdly happy, Completely fearless, and Constantly in trouble.”

  • Deep, deep love

    • Let us as the body of Christ again be the prime example of love in our World. 

This is a chance for us to be the Church like never before. Let’s run this race together and be bold!

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