During this “new” time in our lives, it is common to hear people say: “I can’t wait until things get back to normal!” Or perhaps, “We better adjust to the new normal!” Or perhaps “I think we better get used to the abnormal for a while!” 

All of this, of course, begs the question: What is normal?

For the youth of today, their normal includes iPhones, Instagram, computer games, flat screen TV, microwave ovens, fast food and more. Many of us grew up with a rotary dial phone on the wall with a long cord, manual typewriter, televisions with no remote control (limited channels) and playing outside until dark. My parents thought walking to school was normal. They did not expect air conditioning at school or in our homes. 

So, “normal” does not mean static or unchanging. 9/11 created a new kind of normal for all kinds of travel, especially air travel. People affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, other destructive storms and the current pandemic have developed a new normal for people’s lives. Some expansions of the normal are seen as good, other changes are questionable. 

Some of the changes we are experiencing, will be part of life into the future. We will appreciate what we have a little more — we will want less. We have seen the value of shared time, shared life, family time and family life. 

And, some of us realize how many people live from paycheck to paycheck, and one missed paycheck can throw “normal life” off course. 

So many have no work to support their lives. We certainly are living in unchartered times.

Yet, in faith, we believe there is someone who is right with us through our definitions and discovery of new “normal” in our lives. The Lord Jesus Christ invites us to put our lives, our realities, our future into His hands — the Good Shepherd who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 

For some folks this is the dark valley — the valley of darkness — depression and anxiety have taken grip and have led to paralyzing fear and worry. Praying over and over again, “The Lord is My Shepherd” and “Come, Holy Spirit” will bring some peace and consolation. 

At the present time there are many voices saying what is right, what is best, this is what needs to be done, etc. In quiet, we will hear the voice of the Shepherd speaking to our hearts and telling us what is best for us. We might be nervous about many things, but we won’t be afraid or fearful in taking the important step of following the prompting, the voice, of the Spirit/Shepherd.

Mark Twain offers a good word of advice: “None of us can be as great as God, but any of us can be as good.” Comforted and empowered by our God, may we extend the gifts of kindness and compassionate support to all, friend and stranger, and so trust we are all in this together!

The Lord is My Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

Peace and Blessings for you all!

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Msgr. Larry M. Bakke is pastor for St. Clare of Assisi Parish and director of the Apostolate to the Handicapped for the Diocese of Madison.