Recently, a friend and I were sharing frustrations we are experiencing because of our health problems.  Both of us have been very active in the Lord’s work until the last year, when both of us have been sidelined.  As we talked about wanting to get back to normal, I jokingly said, “I guess I will just have to redefine normal.”

    Later, as I reflected on our conversation and that statement, I realized there is more truth than humor in those words.  In my own health situation, I may never get back to where I was before surgery and radiation.  Even if I were to fully recover, the passage of time would alter the situation, so I still would not be back to normal.  It seems to me that I will have to redefine normal in terms of what I can do physically, and adjust my thinking to fit the new definition.

    And as I reflected some more, I began to see that this is a truth with which we must live on every level.  We are constantly changing.  We never stand still.  We either grow, or we slip back.  What we are today is different from what we were yesterday.  What we can do changes.  What we should do changes.  We are in a state of flux.

    When we are aware of this constant change, and adjust to it - physically and otherwise- we are able to pace ourselves and avoid frustration.  But when we try to function as if there has been no change, we set ourselves up for all sorts of problems and disappointments.

    If we fail to take growth and increase into account, we often function below our level of ability, which leaves us with a sense of dissatisfaction.  If we fail to take a lessening of strength, ability or opportunity into account, we may live with a sense of failure.  Neither situation is to be desired.

    God has allowed me to be very active for many years, both physically and in ministry.  Since we moved up here in 1984, God has provided many opportunities for ministry, and He has given what I needed to fulfill that ministry.  I am grateful.

    Now things are different.  I am different.  And I am trying to redefine normal.  There are some things, such as some of the long, difficult interim pastorates, that probably are a thing of the past.  I can no longer go and give as I once did.  But there are other things I can still do.  And there are things I have wanted to do for years, but I didn’t take the time to do them.  Maybe normal for me will include some of the things left out in former years.

    But whatever normal is for me now, I want to live it to the fullest for the Lord.  I may walk a little slower, but I’m still moving toward the goal.  I hope you are too.