New Normal

I took a walk this afternoon and Tim surprised me on the road by getting his bike started and bringing my helmet and sunglasses. We went on a long-ish ride and just had some fun in the 85 degree weather.

While I was riding, I was thinking about how "normal" it was and how the phrase "new normal" keeps coming up in commercials and social media. I really disagree with it! Having social distancing is temporary; not a "new normal". Having certain times for certain people to shop is temporary; not a "new normal". Having online schooling is temporary; not a "new normal". I'm sure there are other ones that we could add.

On our ride I noticed several people outside. One older couple was working on cleaning out a shed. That might've been something they've been wanting to do but haven't had the time until there was a "stay at home" order. I saw a family of 3 working on a flower bed in front of a house. That might've been something they have put off for years because they couldn't get to it. I saw a party starting at another house even though there is a suggestion to not have gatherings of more than 10 people. Maybe these people realized that it was more important to finally get together and see each other just in case the unthinkable happens and people die.

Are these things the "new normal"? I hope that working together at home, making our houses beautiful, and gathering together become the "new normal" as opposed to the toilet paper shortage and living with the fear of pandemic sicknesses.

I thought about how "normal" it was for us to take a ride and just enjoy being out and how "normal" it was for Tim to have to switch to the reserve tank and head to the gas station hahahaha!

What parts of past "normal" do I want in the "new normal"? It seems like the old normal has been missing for a few years. I want the normal to be Sunday dinners with family. Church meetings with singing and fellowshipping. Grocery shopping with plentiful shelves; getting a little extra and putting it in storage. Washing our hands because it is a habit that keeps us and others around us healthy. Taking care of our neighbors. Listening to world news that isn't filled with hatred, campaigning, propaganda, fear mongering, and exaggerations. Watching sports on TV and attending games and races. Caring about our homes and what happens in them rather than just using them as a place to sleep in between hours at work. Talking with friends face to face when we can instead of through technology.

Maybe we should just be "normal".