UNDERSTANDING Relationships
‘Normal’ is undergoing some changes
We need to be aware of the new dynamic that By Gary Moore happens when our family baseline stress level raises Normal. Now that’s an interesting concept. When dramatically and there is no longer a recognizyour 401(k) becomes your 201(k), when you are no able normal. Now a simple word, gesture, or facial longer able to travel freely, go out to eat, go to a expression may put you or your spouse into an orbit sporting event or a performing arts presentation, or that you don’t recognize. Remember, you’re both even meet with fellow believers for corporate wornot only searching for normal, but also searching for ship, things are not normal — no matter how you your new personal identity. define it. However you have defined normal in the If you haven’t done so yet, you need to have a past, my guess is that you’ve been forced to struggle conversation with your spouse about this very topic. with redefining that term for your personal world You need to reaffirm your love and care for each and the world of your family. other and also talk about how your household baseAnd, when we have to redefine normal, that usualline stress level has changed. And, how your ability ly means we have to redefine who we are since a big or inability to adapt and cope with this change may part of our personal identity is tied to our definition cause you to respond in atypical ways. You need to of normal. This is not an easy thing to do, especially also talk about a signal (preferably humorous) that when we are forced to do it quickly. you can give one another when you recognize and A new level of stress and concern has entered our experience an atypical response from either yourself Gary Moore world — and not quietly. One of the things that or your spouse. stress does is reveal our foundational strengths and I also encourage you, if you don’t already do so, to weaknesses and magnify them. This includes your marriage relationhave a time of daily devotions together. In a world that seemingly has ship as well as your spiritual relationship. lost it’s true North, it’s important for you and your spouse to make Every household has what I call a baseline stress level. This is the sure your compass has the true North (Jesus Christ). And, that your “normal” level of stress that we have learned how to live with and plans and personal interactions are based on that true North. expect on a day-to-day basis. At this level of stress, we have learned Discuss with each other some of God’s promises. There are over how to cope and relate with our spouse and children. We know what 8,000 in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation we read of normal everyone’s emotional buttons are at this level and we know what it people, like you and me, that received the promises of God. Malachi takes to push them and what the responses will be. 3:6 says, “For I the Lord do not change.” Continued on page 11
KETO HEATING & COOLING Serving Idaho Since 1957
Call 208-375-1100 To Schedule Appointment
It’s Time!
For a complete list of our services go to
www.KetoHeating.com Proudly Serving all of the Treasure Valley Since 1957
Keeping you comfortable in every season! There’s never been a better time to switch to natural gas! www.christianlivingmag.com
For information on efficiency rebates visit intgas.com/saveenergy
Christian Living | May / June 2020 7
