This is the NEW NORMAL

Solomon wisely observed, "Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”For it is not wise to ask such questions" (Ecc. 7:10). Yet, it seems human nature compels us to do just that. Except for a few adventurous souls most of us aren't all that fond of change. Especially when it is forced on us. The syndrome is so ingrained that it causes us to say and do strange things.

The Israelites started wailing and said,

“If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—

also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 

But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” 

(Numbers 11:5-6)

Do you also remember that you were slaves? Remember the deal with the straw and bricks? Oh yeah, the Egyptians also demanded that drown your newborn sons.

Clearly we at PIU, and indeed the rest of the world, have been forced to make some radical and rapid change. Perhaps you don't like it.

I can hear the voices of countless mothers echoing my head, "I don't care whether you like it or not. This is the way it is. Make the most of it."

I'm not about to argue with the moms of the world, but I actually think we can do better than that. If we believe God is in control, if we believe He loves us, if we believe He is with us, then we can do more than just make the most of this, we can grow and become better in the process. Come to think of it, that is what your mom would want you to do.

For now this is the new normal. Thrive in it.

• Be sure to read and respond to all your official email.
• Pray.
• "Go" to church tomorrow. If you don't have a place to go, Kathy and I invite you to our son's church, North Rock Hill Church. Since it won't be Sunday there, until Monday here, click on last week's sermon.
• In this new normal, having a daily time with the Lord is more important than ever. Let us know if we can help you.
• You haven't heard from me for a while, so I recorded a video about the "New Normal."

I'm not sure why I look so wound up in this picture. It is a calm video. :)

Here is a Q&A sheet with information for you and your family and friends.

Get out of bed. Comb your hair. Brush your teeth. We have to get going.