A New Normal

Today, I listened to KTPT, “The Point,” on the way out to family camp. A group of 43 people (associated with the station) recently returned from a short term mission to Sri Lanka.

People talked about this life changing experience. They ministered to the people and helped build an orphanage. One theme came through time and again: “How can I go back to ‘normal’ after being in a place like that, seeing the things I saw and doing the things I did?”

What a GREAT question!

Yesterday, I talked with LaVina (who, by the way, just returned from Cambodia on Monday). She taught in the Bible school at Phnom Penh for 2 weeks. She noted that it’s been difficult to somehow return to “normal.”

Participating in a short term mission changes your perception about almost everything. All of a sudden, things seem different. A dinky house doesn’t seem so dinky after meeting a family that has 10 people sharing a 10X12 living space.

You hope that you never again take blessings for granted. Things like: When you turn on the water, you can drink it without boiling it; Air conditioning, soft beds, clean streets, fast food places, medical care readily available – everything that we consider part of life. These things aren’t reality for most of the rest of the world. Even if they are, most couldn’t afford them.

Having been on several short term missions myself, (the West Indies, India, Mexico and 2 trips to Cambodia) I relate to the dilemma. How can things ever go back to “business as usual” after experiencing something so life changing?

Not only that, but it seems absolutely impossible to adequately relay your experience. Somehow, normal now seems “dull!” Why can’t people relate? Why do they look at me with the “There, there now, you’ll get over this soon enough!” look.

But, what if we don’t want to “get over” it? What if we want everyone to somehow experience what we experienced? Maybe then they’d understand! What if we want them to REALLY understand that we’ve changed as a result of our experience?

HOW CAN WE ADJUST TO A NEW NORMAL?

If we don’t come to a new normal, we’ll simply go crazy. Here are some thoughts for people desperately seeking a new normal.

· Keep in mind that ministry in another country and culture under difficult circumstances is very intense. However, that doesn’t mean God isn’t doing REAL ministry here and now!

· Not everyone WILL understand and appreciate your new perspective. Let God bring them to that place – when, and IF, He so desires.

· Do what you can to continue making a difference. Give in new and sacrificial ways.

· Invite someone to come with you next time. Perhaps they’ll need to find a “new normal” too!

· Pray for the field you visited and the people that live and minister there. Ministry doesn’t just occur while you’re there. You can still return, daily, through the power of prayer.

· Recognize the temptation to think you’re now somehow “more spiritual” than other mere mortals. Pray for God to deliver from any budding element of spiritual pride.

· Thank God for the new perspective He’s opened up to you. Never look at some of the same “little” blessings the same way again.

· LISTEN! Is God calling you to something?

How about you? Have you had experiences that made it tough to somehow get back to normal? How has God helped you establish a “new normal?”