What is normal?

At church yesterday someone was quoted as saying "normal is only a setting on your washing machine". I am tending to agree as I wait for life to get back to normal and realize any semblance of whatever that was will be for a time far off in the future. This is how our week's new "normal" has started.

A trip to the orthodontist and realizing how many people do not understand how to proceed at a four-way stop. Many intersections don't have power or have street lights dangling, missing, or pushed by the wind facing the wrong direction now. The phrase "defensive driving" is a reality anytime we hit the streets.

Taking the dog for a walk is an adventure. Fencing and branches litter sidewalks. Trees, leaves and branches block walking paths. Walking in the street with drivers that seem a bit more agitated isn't a very smart option.

Met with the insurance inspector and learned the lesson I learned long ago - insurance is never what you need it to be. Our fences (our largest expense) are not covered and the damage we had from water coming through our roof (because of the last delay from insurance) will most likely have its own large deductible. Translation - we're on our own for all our repairs. Fortunately, even as I write this, I have roofers putting on a new roof which was damaged last May!

School is out again this week as some schools had major damage. For many school age children "normal" will mean going to a new school in a new area. Evacuating to new homes/apartments/hotels, means new districts they live in and must attend school. Students in schools that were too damaged will also be moved. "Normal" will mean being the new kid next week, new classes, new teachers and your friend group shattered. For some it may mean attending a new high school your senior year. Pray for those students and their families.

With Kristal's condo she's renting now growing mold the reality that she will be with us for a while is evident. Her management company is waiting for their adjust to come and assess damage - then work can be scheduled to begin. I doubt there are enough skilled laborers to do all the work that Houston has ahead of it. We're thankful we have a house large enough for 7, but we know that she would love her independence and her own place soon.

Another thing I have noticed is some new emotions. Unjustified guilt - the images of those who lost everything, homes, businesses, still have no power can make you feel like you're doing something wrong for just going about your day. Unjustified urgency that I should be doing more - there are so many, many people who need help it is easy to feel that you are personally not doing enough. I have to remind myself daily that God is not about guilt but conviction. I am called to take care of my family and their needs and to look for and make every opportunity to help those He brings in my path. As I can, I will reach out to help through our church work crews etc - but it will never be enough. I have also battled some feelings of disgust for those who live in debris strewn streets and have chosen to move their trash to a green belt or across the street to a vacant area so their lawns will look nice. I continually need to put all these emotions to prayer to keep a healthy perspective.

So that is my Monday - I have a dog by my feet under a table because of the roofers. It's nice to know he feels safe by me.

Here is a link to some amazing photos of Ike's aftermath http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_short_but_eventful_life_of.html