A New Normal

While going through cancer, there was a phrase that was used at every turn, "a new normal." Every phase of treatment involved learning to adjust to "a new normal." Me, who does not like change, had to face a constantly wavering way of life. I couldn't even count on how my body was going to react to each round of chemo because every treatment brought with it new challenges, and side effects. Each treatment compounded the previous one so that I was more fatigued and was out of commission for a longer period of time.
     During this time, I lost my hair and gained a lot of weight (steroids). Simple things, such as taking a shower, were exhausting. Medical bills piled up as my income decreased. I managed to work part-time, thankfully. At each turn, I had to look at the new situation and evaluate how to handle it. Did I want to give into my body or did I want to press on through the fatigue? Did I want to hide because of my changed appearance or did I want to live and laugh and enjoy life? What did I need to do to accomplish those things? What was my inspiration? Where was my joy? I re-evaluated questions like that all the time and at each fork in the road formed a new normal in which I could live and be content and even happy.
     Not that this peace and contentment were always present. Like I said, things were constantly changing. Mentally and emotionally, I was all over the board. Spiritually, I grew. My faith and trust in God's sovereignty, along with the outpouring of love and support that I received, made it all bearable. People were praying for me from multiple countries; they sent cards and gifts to brighten my day and lift my spirits. So even through the "bad", there was a whole lot of "good."

My reasons for bringing this up now are probably obvious:
     1) During this time, we need to be flexible. We need to find and adjust to "a new normal."
     2) We need to be that outpouring of love and support for others so that even through these trying times, people will be able to see the "good" that shines through the storm; they'll be able to see that Christ lives in us and is here with us.

     Over the next several days, I'll offer suggestions and insight and encouragement for how to find your new normal and together, by the grace of God our Father, we will get through this and come out stronger than before.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, 

with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV