Living My New Normal
The bad news is my body has not been miraculously healed. The great news is I’m learning how to make the most of my new normal. I’ve concluded there are three stages for anyone battling some life altering condition. One, you have to acknowledge that life has changed. It doesn’t mean you ever fully accept it. Nor does it mean you should ever quit believing God can heal you. However, you must acknowledge things aren’t the same as they used to be. This will move you from a state of denial towards actually dealing with the issue at hand.
Stage two is learning how to cope. Over the past 3 1/2 years I’ve had many anxiety attacks. I’ve had so many days that tears rolled and hope felt nowhere in sight. I really didn’t know how I would make it through. With God, counseling, processing, prayer, time and medications I’ve learned how to cope much better. I know that a present moment doesn’t define the future. That even if today I fall apart God will take me through even the lowest valley.
Now, I’m just beginning stage three which is learning how to live out my new normal. Time has taught me my necessary limits. Everyday I do whatever it takes to be the healthiest new me. In my mind and heart I’ve never felt stronger. I grieved for a long time the old me. I’m now celebrating the new me and what opportunities this season presents.
The new me knows how to thank God for every moment. The new me knows God wants to use all my pain to encourage others wondering if they can ever smile again. The new me is definitely broken, but in so many ways full of so much more joy and life. When I look back at where I’ve been I can’t help but smile. I can’t help but say what a mighty God we serve.
“…Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
Pastor Craig Crosby 