First Baptist Church of Herndon

Their New Normal

Linda Soller | Apr 06, 2020

It’s so easy in difficult times to focus on ourselves. However, few of us live in isolation from family, friends, and neighbors. Last week we talked about taking care of yourself, but how do you take care of others? Below are a few suggestions for coping with your new normal and their new normal at the same time. Focusing on the needs of others can help take your mind off your own concerns. Some of these are repeats of last week, they are that important!

1. First - Pray for those you know and those you don’t. Pray for those who are not taking this serious enough and for those who have been hit hardest. Turn it over to God.
2. Find one source of reliable non-political news and don’t overload yourself with it. Too much information can add stress. I repeat don’t overload on news! Yes, I am talking to you.
3. Make sure those you care for are getting exercise. It’s spring, so go out on your deck, or patio, or in your yard. If walking in your neighborhood (and there is no sidewalk) remember to face oncoming traffic. The edge of the road should be on your left. Yes, there are people who don’t seem to know this. It will make social distancing easier! 
4. Be patient. Remember the people in your life are stressed too. 
5. Smile, wave, say hello, spread a little sunshine (at a distance of course!)
6. Discuss books you are reading, favorite crafts, and your favorite TV show, fun normal things.
7. Encourage learning something new. It takes brain power to learn new things and that equals distraction from the stress.
8. Have a routine, it is comforting for young and old alike. 
9. Use technology to see people and talk to people. (FaceTime and Zoom are just two options)
10. Turn it over to God.

Life is full of surprises. For now, this is your new normal and their new normal. It’s a lemon of a time just waiting for you to turn it into lemonade. Hey, make homemade lemonade – there is no lemon shortage!

Be humble, be grateful, and be love in our world this week! :o) Linda