As I approach my 82nd birthday, I've been reflecting on what this life phase means to me. Many times I have bounced back and forth between "speed bumps" and calm waters and found myself waiting for things to settle down and get back to normal. The other day, however, it struck me that this is normal--the "new normal". Friends and family get sick and die, my wife and my health, energy and sense of well-being fluctuates almost daily, friends at the senior living community where we live respond to their myriad challenges in different ways: anger--kindness--sadness--weeping--involvement in the activities provided here--isolation--quiet contemplation. The result of all this "new normalization" has actually been a blessing. When things get a little crazy or I'm feeling depressed because of my challenges, it helps to remind myself that since this is really the "new normal" no amount of wishing/longing/hoping will change that and as strange as it seems, at least to me, that settles me down and speaks peace to my mind and heart. I count this as one of God's many blessings He has given me over the years and I am so grateful to Him for it.
No comments:
Post a Comment