Living life in this ‘New Normal’

Is life gone as we once knew it?

Will the Coronavirus Pandemic usher in a whole new lifestyle for all of us?

Perhaps those questions and many more bang around the brain as we watch the world we once knew change before our very eyes.
Are we talking about “less” of a world, or “just a different world?” Or will we simply go back to the “way we were”, to quote a line in an old song.

The answers to those and many other uncertainties will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The positives coming from this “unseen war”, bring a comparison to the way the country responded in the 1940’s during a very visible war, namely World War II.

It was a time that drew the country together … some going off to war, others supporting them every day, and millions going into the factories of America to produce products needed for the war effort.

Never in history had an entire country come together as America did after the bombing at Pearl Harbor.

There were troops on the front lines, battling the forces determined to undermine our lifestyle, our government, and our economy. And America rallied behind them.

Fast-forward 70 to 75 years and here we are, embroiled in a war that has the same goals: destroy our lifestyle, mangle our economy, and put pressure on our government leaders.

While none of us like or enjoy battling this evil foe Coronavirus, we are seeing a return to a “pulling together,” we haven’t seen since that Great War.

It started by reconnecting families. Across America fathers, mothers and their children are making a new life for themselves, developing a lifestyle of being together more often than ever before.

They may call it “isolation”, but for many, it’s “reconnecting.” And it’s gone way beyond family — with teachers connecting with students, neighbors helping out neighbors and friends finding ways to make others smile — even if they never leave their own home.

Creativity has abounded as it seems everyone is using the best of technology to create new ways of communicating.

With all the trouble we’ve seen in this world, maybe we needed something to bring us together again.

It’s important we recognize the supreme sacrifice some have given for all of us. Just like those who went off to war and never returned, we have “front line warriors,” who are battling the enemy just as those did on the front lines in World War II.

There is “a front line” — and doctors, nurses, caregivers, and even those out working in our world are right there, putting their lives on the line, for us.

They are not there with gun in hand, but rather are putting themselves in Harms Way to beat this very tough enemy, the Coronavirus.

I’ve had heroes in my life, but none more than those “Heroes” who are putting their lives on the line every day.

This has to bring us to an understanding of how special life is and how dedicated people who care will always rise to the forefront.

We’ve gained this — and we need to keep it alive.

IN ADDITION, we may also need to adopt “social distancing” as a standard procedure. Shaking hands, or instance, may have to give way to a new greeting. Certainly, we’re creative enough to find ways without passing germs.

I know I’ve taken washing my hands with vigor and avoiding germ-infested areas as I’ve never done before. There’s a chance we’ll never sit that close to others in a restaurant — but there’s nothing wrong with being careful.

We may discover staying home is not as bad as we thought. But through it all, we’re likely to appreciate what we have a whole lot more.

Will our economy be affected?

I can’t see how it could not. Some folks will face critical economic challenges. Some businesses will never open.

While those seem like catastrophic problems, remember, we’re Americans and we’ll find a way.

Will there be negative problems to deal with? Certainly. But the attitude has to be the same as it was during Martin Luther King’s Day, namely, “We Will Overcome!”

Finding positives

During recent walks and drives, I’ve seen a variety of things that warm the heart. In the window at the Grantsburg Public Library is a sign that reads, “We Miss You Too,” lined with hearts.

For many, the closing of the library has cut off not only a link to their entertainment and communications but their social connection.

Outside the Grantsburg Public Library is what has been used as a min-library, but is now being stored with food and it’s called, “Little Free Pantry,” and the sign says, “Take what you need, leave what you can.”

I’ve also been proud to see some of my neighbors proudly flying their American Flag, which brings Patriotic Pride to those of us who are walking.

I’ve seen people dropping off letters and packages at the post offices, some coming of public transportation rides to get the job done.

There are dedicated firemen who take time to make sure their equipment is workable and serviceable.

One of the scariest times is grocery shopping. It’s hard to know who is there and if they are a health threat to you. But in most cases, folks have taken great care to stay apart and allow everyone to be safe.

Once while shopping I wore a “Vietnam Veteran” hat and one man with a mask on his face thanked me for my service. He tried to shake my hand, but instead I presented an elbow, even though I had gloves on.

Frankly, not enough people are wearing masks and not enough seem to take extreme care in public surroundings.

But then, old habits are hard to break.

Through it all, I’ve found one solace that’s been a constant — and that’s the arms of Jesus, outstretched for us, to help us understand, “I am in control.”