After major events in our lives or in the world, it’s common to hear things like “things will never be the same” or “I don’t want to go back to normal.” I remember after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, people said things such as “we will never forget.” During our current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are expressing similar sentiments of hope that we will learn something from what we are going through, especially from our time stuck at home with so much of life shut down. We make commitments that this time things will be different, that we truly will learn something, and we won’t go back to how things were.
The sad reality, however, is that many of us are likely to forget. We are likely to go back to how things were before. As humans, we usually follow the path of least resistance and slide back into our old grooves. While that might sound depressing, it is also an invitation to consider if there is another way. As people made in the image of God with free will, we do actually have a choice in the matter. The question is, what are we going to choose?
I have discovered that memory and intentionality are the keys.
Memory means recalling and acting upon what has brought me life in the past, those times I have experienced God, and when my life was true to how God created me to live. Memory, however, isn’t something that comes about by accident. Memory is shaped and cultivated. This is why God gave the people festivals in the Old Testament, commanded them to set up piles of stones that would remind them of significant events, and taught them to stay in God’s Word as frequently as possible. Memory is shaped by the actions we take to keep it alive. Otherwise, we forget. This is why we have pictures of loved ones around the house or on our phones. This is why we have days that celebrate significant events. These things remind us of what matters to us and helps us not forget when things get crazy or too much time passes.
I have discovered that memory and intentionality are the keys.
During a time such as we are experiencing now, therefore, one of the ways we can truly hang on to what we have learned and experienced, and stay true to the direction we desire to go, is by faithfully remembering where we have been. We need physical, tangible reminders and habits that will continue to remind us and shape us as life returns to what it was. These reminders and habits will hold the memory for us and bring it up for us easily when the world crashes in again and scatters our brain in a thousand directions.
Friends, what do you want to hold on to as life returns to normal over the coming months and years? What are you hoping doesn’t come back again? What are you hoping to retain and never lose again? I know this time has shifted a lot for me and I don’t want it to fall out of joint again we we open back up.
Perhaps it’s more meaningful time with family, yourself, and God. Maybe it’s related to health or finances. Perhaps it’s an attitude or a perspective you have gained. Maybe it’s a reorientation of what really matters and what is worth your time and resources. Perhaps it’s a new way of seeing the world, who is really important, and what you actually need in order to find joy in life.
Friends, what do you want to hold on to as life returns to normal over the coming months and years?
The next question is, how will you form reminders and habits that will protect these things? Perhaps it’s a new family rhythm or a prayer schedule that you will need to safeguard. Maybe it’s a new budget that reflects your new life. It could be an object you keep with you to remind you or a space you set aside to return to.
I don’t know what you hope your life looks like as the world changes once again, but I pray that you will set aside time to name what it is and will be intentional about setting up reminders and habits that will keep it at the forefront of your life as the voices of the world grow louder and the distractions come roaring back.
May you look forward to the new day that is to come!
Grace and Peace
