In lieu of reflecting on what you’re missing, try reflecting on your current blessings. In this season of isolation and separation, it’s a no ‘brainer’ to desire things to go back to normal. Well, perhaps the old normal was really abnormal. So, how do we embrace this ‘new normal’ and survive this season we are currently leasing? Let this soak in for a minute: When God says to His children He will do a new thing, it means you will move to a level of freedom you have never known before. It also means that God is about to surprise your enemies beyond discovery and recovery. In Isaiah 43:19, the prophet Isaiah foretold of the Israelites deliverance from Babylon captivity and even greater; the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. Isaiah’s words encourages and inspires us in that same light of hope today and while the coronavirus pandemic has shuttered businesses, restaurants and places of worship, another kind of gathering has reemerged across our communities. Families who were once distracted by the busyness of full schedules, play dates and errands now have seemingly quieter lives. Days are devoid of school, soccer practice and daily commutes, as school districts remain closed and more parents are working from home. Instead, family dinner is making a comeback. Parents are seen more in their yards playing with their young ones. More neighbors are out for strolls with their pets and I didn’t know everybody and their mama rode bicycles. Seriously speaking, what’s so abnormal about all of this? Yes, the number of reported cases are increasing and the death toll is rising but, someway and somehow God in His perfect timing is going to work something good out of all this mess because He uses messy situations to awaken our need for him which in turn grows our dependence on Him, shapes our character, and draws us closer to Himself. Remember this, God ain’t sleep and He promises to make something good out of the storms that bring devastation to our lives.