Back to normal?

Well, I reached another milestone today.  I went back to work for the first time in seven weeks. It went well, I made it all eight hours, and I didn't even have to crawl to my recliner when I got home. Things are back to normal.

Or are they? And do I want them to be?

I have to confess that I am a creature of habit and was pretty excited when I could return all of my post-surgery paraphernalia back to it's proper places. Extra pillows back on the appropriate beds, pill bottles put away, TV remotes no longer within arms reach of my recliner. My disposition began to brighten when I could see my "normal" coming back into focus.

However, when I re-read what I have written over the last three months, I see how many insights God has given me and it makes me realize that normal may not be what I really want. Do I want to go back to doing things the same way, reacting the same, interacting the same?

I think the answer has to be a resounding NO. I don't truly understand why God felt I needed to endure this little challenge but His purpose is perfect. So, if I go right back to business as usual, am I not telling Him that whatever purpose He had in mind is not as important as my feeling normal again?

I believe I'm going to have to consider a new normal. One that integrates the lessons God taught me. One that is open to new opportunities and new relationships. One that is more concerned with Kingdom work than with staying inside my "normal" box.

It's a little scary outside this box but if I can survive a ten pound tumor and a 12+ inch abdominal incision, I can do anything, right?