We’ve all heard the saying, in one form or another, that normal is just a setting on a washing machine. I understand the sentiment. I even agree with the more basic components of its underlying philosophy. In a nutshell, we are each uniquely created and will ultimately travel our entire path with only God. Since this is an undeniable truth, why waste time trying to be someone else or walk someone else’s path?

However, the actual definition is:
/ˈnôrməl/ – conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected

How I long for something that is usual, typical, or expected. No one, and I literally mean no one, enjoys a constant barrage of ever-changing circumstances. The thrill of the new quickly unfolds into the exhaustion of the unknown when we can’t find solid footing in any corner. Of course, the easy answer is to say that my relationship with Jesus is the sure-footing I need. And for the Sunday School question, that is true. But in my real life, God continues to behave in extraordinarily unpredictable ways and is allowing difficult confrontations, overwhelming circumstances, and more unexpected situations that are out of my control to continue showing up on my doorstep.

Why can we not have normal? My heart hurts and I long for a peace that does not pass all understanding – a peace that comes from quiet circumstances filled with happiness. Those days are so far in my past that I can barely recognize them.