Able to See

The world is slowly reopening. Plans are being made and events are once again being scheduled. I hear talk about returning to "normal." But I wonder, what is normal and is there really a path back to that place? 

The Gospel from today's Lectionary tells the story of Jesus healing the man born blind. This man lived his whole life one way. He surely struggled but had also adapted to his circumstances. On a chance encounter with Christ, in one moment of time, his world was suddenly different. 

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, "Go wash in the Pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed, and came back able to see. ~John 9:1, 6–8

This pandemic was an unexpected storm in our lives. Our "normal" routines, expectations, and relationships were completely wiped out in what felt like a single moment of time. Suddenly everything was different. I think we've all done some soul searching over the past year. If you're like me, you've been surprised by how much you can live without and still keep going. 

Who knows what "normal" will look like going forward. What I do think is that the restrictions we have all lived under will begin to peel away quickly. We will be left standing and asking ourselves--what do I do now? Who am I now? What parts of me are left after so much was taken away?

This time will be scary. I venture to guess it may be as anxiety-producing as the beginning of the pandemic. The world will suddenly be different...again. 

"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are." ~Arthur Golden

I encourage you not to let this opportunity pass unnoticed. Don't slide back into what feels like "normal." When you are once again able to see and be in the world, look at who you've become, who you really are. 

Maybe meditate on a few of these questions along the way:

• How have your eyes been opened during the past year?
• What do you now see differently?
• What parts of "normal" do you see yourself returning to? 
• What will your life change because of who you have become?