New Year ~ "New Normalcy". . .

Above All  ~ Arrangement by Unknown (Piano & Cello Duo)
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Definition of “normal”:  the state of being usual, typical, or expected.

It has been said that Plato once commented, “An unexamined life is a wasted life.”  If that were true, then this past year I most certainly have had much time for reflection as I prepare for my “new normalcy.”  It has now been nine months since having had major surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments to make me well again. Thankfully, my invasive course of treatments is now complete!

We now not only begin a new year, but my “new normalcy,” which is so very much welcome. And yet, I ask myself, “What does a “new normalcy” actually mean?  Was this past year of pain and suffering that much out of the norm for life in general?”  I sometimes wonder if our society defines the definition of “normal” in its truest form.  In other words, “What should one really expect to be considered “normal,” while on the happy trail called "life"? If one were to eliminate anxiety, fear, pain, stress, worry, or possibly physical unwellness in one’s life, then life must be “normal” right, while seamlessly sailing along?  However, if one does, in fact, suffer from one or all of these mental and/or physical states then should one expect to be considered “abnormal”? Will I ever feel that I can experience contentment, happiness, peace, stability or tranquility again like I did in my pre-cancer, “normal” life, assuming they existed before cancer invaded my life?" I ask these questions of myself, as I really am unsure how to define the “new normalcy” of my life, since being diagnosed with breast cancer.  However, one thing I know for sure since having had cancer it most certainly does force one to re-examine and reflect on the direction, meaning and purpose of one’s life. 

I believe for me to honestly answer any of the abovementioned questions for my life, I must above all, acknowledge the following, in order to have any quality of mental, physical and/or spiritual wellness:

• Accept – God’s promises, believe and wait on Him.  A normal life can and most likely will have challenges of anxiety, fear, pain, stress, worry, and possibly poor health at some point in one’s life’s;
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:33).
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

• Cling – to God’s promises.  Pray and mediate each and every day, knowing one does not need to go through life’s uncharted waters alone as God, who is my comforter, will always be with me;
“My soul clings to you; Your right hand upholds me”(Psalm 63:8).
“Blessed be to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

• Trust – in God’s promises.  It is only by trusting God with my life can I experience the direction, meaning and purpose of my life, which will give me inner peace, healing and restoration.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). 
    
As a child of God, I must daily ACT in faith, hope and prayer that His will be done in and for my life knowing His love and faithfulness will carry me through ALL of life’s circumstances in this new year ~ my new normalcy.

“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog —
the reality of things at a distance
that the human eye cannot see.”
~ Corrie ten Boom

Tranquility of Laughter. . .

Jesus, There's Just Something About That Name ~ Arrangement by Tami Yates
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I believe one of the sweetest sounds to the ears is listening to a child’s laughter. I recall, with fond memories, when I would tickle one of my young nieces, as we played, how they would giggle and laugh almost hysterically with such innocence and joy. They did not have a care in the world and the sound of their laughter was like a breath of fresh air!  

One of my favourite Bible stories is when the children were invited to sit with Jesus as He blessed them.  I can only imagine the excitement these young children must have experienced and what sheer delight it must have been for each child to snuggle up close to Jesus into His open arms. Oh, to have been one of those children, to feel His love and compassion.  In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Although there does not appear to be any specific reference in the Bible to Jesus laughing, I cannot imagine that Jesus would not have laughed and played with these young children as well as listened to their stories and deepest secrets. Children have a special gift when it comes to laughter. Their innocence, yet curiosity, exudes such delight in the smallest of pleasures, carefreeness, positive attitude and pure joy, which ultimately puts a smile on those who are around them. Their laughter is infectious. Though one’s childhood may flee like a beautiful sunset into the evening’s horizon, its memories of laughter are filled with tranquility that brings much solace to the soul.

The old saying “laughter is the best medicine” is actually supported by many medical professionals.  Laughter has not only been shown to improve one’s emotional and physical health, but spiritual health as well.  I once read “laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects” as quoted by Arnold H. Glasow.  Considering the severity of the side effects I have experienced this past year due to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, I gladly welcome such a prescription as laughter, which has been a godsend to this battered body, mind and soul.  I am so thankful that God has given us the gift of laughter for it reminds me: 

• Joy can be found in all circumstances ~ “For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11);   
• Even my burdens, if just for a while, can be lifted and carried away by a moment of laughter ~ “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22); 
• Strength comes from within as laughter re-energizes, renews and restores one’s outlook on life with optimism and hope for a better tomorrow ~ “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13);
• Unwavering faith can inspire new aspirations, hopes and dreams that one could never have imagined ~ “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3);
• Scars of this past year may be with me forever, but I can rejoice in the name of JESUS that my prognosis is encouraging.  I have much to be thankful for as I have been surrounded by my loved ones, who have endured my sufferings, journeyed with me on this path of healing and have brought much love and laughter into my life ~ “Fear not – thou art mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:1,2). “For He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come out as gold” (Job 23:10).

“If love is the treasure, laughter is the key.”

~ Yakov Smirnoff