I love Facebook. I love checking in with friends, seeing what they're up to, and sharing my fun and funny situations with my kids. As someone who scored 100% extrovert on the Myers-Briggs test, there is just something about the connections on Facebook.
Yet, no one would deny (except maybe Mark Zuckerberg), Facebook is one huge waste of time. More than the time spent scrolling through people's updates, watching videos, and checking to see who comments on my own status, is the permission I am giving other people to speak into my life, and to take time away from other things.
That rant, that political update, that offensive comment, that derogatory remark, that trivia, that stupid cat photo...I gave permission to those people to waste my time, take time away from my family, or my obligations, my hobbies, my job.
And so yesterday I began a 40 day fast from Facebook The funny thing is, while I go on Facebook often, I don't believe I am "addicted" to Facebook. Day 1 was easy, almost freeing to think I didn't "have" to check in. Freeing to know that I'm not giving anyone permission to waste my time.
That's not to say the next 39 days will be easy. I will miss connected with my friends, and the quick way of checking in. I'll have to be more intentional with my real friends. And that is a good thing. But all that stuff, that unimportant stuff, will be gone, and with I will have a time of sabbatical, refreshment and renewal to focus on what's really important in my life. 40 days.
Where do you need to refocus in your life? And will you?
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit,left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-2
Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com
3 comments:
Oh wow I was just thinking in the wee hours of today that I need to fast from my blackberry for 30 days. Being so 'connected' is taking up so much prayer and thinking time. Plus my thumb needs to rest!!!!
I'm receiving your post as confirmation. I pray for grace for you to cruise through the next 31 days.
Thank you so much for your comment. May you, and your thumbs, enjoy a time of rest; may you have a time of reflection and rejuvenation - and may God bless you in it!
Kelly, I took a month off last summer for vacation and the Olympics, and then the 1st two weeks of January this year to get some priorities in order. It was great! You'll find out when you come back, that you'll not feel as addicted as before. Like this week, I didn't even get on for two days - too busy and just didn't feel the pull. It's liberating. You go, girl!
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