The word "normal" gets used a lot, probably more so than quite some time. In the last 15 months, people often mention, usually with fondness, a return to normal. We yearn and pine for the good old days. (note: This is the first time I believe that I have used the phrase "yearn and pine" - don't know why, but it seemed appropriate.) The "good old days" can be a wistful hope about change - too much change, it seems. Why can't things stay the same? (They can't - because if things stayed the same, the Chicago Cubs would remain in 4th place - an unacceptable location.)
I am willing to opt for a "new normal" if it means an increase of peace and predictability. That sounds nice. When I personally feel peaceful, it is a great feeling - realizing that, for far too many decades, I have lived with stress and tension. I don't like it.
(Spoiler alert: this paragraph is the important part of this post!) While I want things to remain the same, I'm really saying that I want the things I like to remain the same. There is a whole host of things I would want to change. In the midst of speaking about normal, I would like certain things to become normal for everyone (this is if I ruled the world!) I would want good science to be respected and followed. I would want public leaders who make things up to be publicly called out. I would want the virtue of Kindness to be among the most sought-after virtues that people seek. I would want church leaders to see that one of their most important tasks is to bring people closer to God. I would want church leaders to be known for their mercy - and showing Jesus clearly in what they say and do. I would ask arrogant leaders and preachers to go away because they make me tense. I would want all church leaders to be unabashedly pro-life - every stage, every age, every social condition, and include every type of person there is. To exclude any group just seems wrong. To do less is simply not pro-life (in my modest humble opinion). Even though the issues can become real complicated real quickly, I would hope that those who are against COVID vaccinations for children would take a look at the possibility that they could be placing their children in danger of serious disease and possibly death. Look at the data. Follow good science - not the science of politicians or ideologues. As I look over this collection of thoughts, I realize I could just go on and on with this list. So my "new normal" will be a long list - and probably so is your list. One thing I would hope that each person would do is have an intrinsic respect for the people who take other positions.
We may never have had this type of "normal", but it is worth seeking.
Some of the steps we must take must be taken tentatively - with gentle respect for others. Take the example of this scientist. He's not condemning anyone, but gently inviting and inquiring. Not a bad approach.
Normal is really complicated. So is life. So are relationships. This is why I will always have more than enough to do every day. One thing I know about retirement is this: I'll never be bored - and that is not a bad thing. But it would be nice just once in a while.