FACING THE NEW NORMAL
"They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.
But he passed through the midst of them and went away." -Luke 4: 29-30
Sometimes, rather than confronting the truth, the easiest thing to do is just push it away and "thrive" in the concept that ignorance is bliss. The truth can be scary, the truth can hurt, the truth can lead to uncomfortable situations.
Travel plans lay grounded, wedding dates pushed back or virtually, moving plans or career switches delayed, expected hangouts with friends before quarantine became, "I'll see you in a year." This quarantine has shaken up the status quo for over a year. As the vaccine has started its rollout, things are starting to get some semblance of normal, and we are asked to confront the new reality.
For myself, I've started being asked in prayer and internally about what this post-pandemic world might look like for me. I'm on the verge of a possible career change post-MBA that got delayed after graduating during quarantine. My friendship dynamics have changed dramatically after keeping to a small group of friends and trying to respectfully maintain social distancing from once close friends, leading to weakened relationships and time apart. Even questions about how I want to serve and participate in my communities in the future popped up, leading me to worry and overthink. What usually happens as a result is I will make some rash decision internally out of emotion and cause myself to spiral into a worst-case scenario mindset, putting up barriers. Maybe I should just stay stagnant in my career because it's safe. Maybe all my friends I haven't kept in touch with hate me now and I should just be by myself. Maybe I should just stop serving all together because I'm so burnt out.
Much like how His own hometown of Nazareth drove Jesus away after proclaiming at the synagogue, I feel like I have driven Jesus, others, and myself away at times with this overthinking and barrier setting. Amidst all the chaos and self-doubt, I've actually passed through Jesus' love and care and tried to run away. Here, He is trying to pass through to us, but like ships passing in the night, I let the darkness and fog cover the way. In this season of Lent and as things slowly start to become "normal," I'm called not to rush, not to jump to conclusions. Instead of driving things away, I am called to slow down, follow Jesus' pace and time, and journey with Him. I may not know what things will look like in the future, but I don't need to pre-erect barriers. I am called to listen with Jesus, allow Him to work in others and myself, and allow trust and love to flow freely. It may be risky, but with Jesus by my side, everything will work out, and we'll venture out into whatever the world has in store.
Jesus, help me to continue journeying with You, not only during this Lenten season, but into whatever is in store for me in the future. Rather than drive You and others away in fear of the truth, help me to face it head on with Your love and support.
Kevin Nguyen
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