At the end of a past post ("Scrolls to Burn") I had referred to another scroll to burn as future blogging material. Well, here's the future. The conviction has not left, the reasons have only multiplied, and now a call to obedience. Let me clarify one thing now: this is a conviction specific to ME, and I will explain that later.
Yesterday someone posted an article on Facebook. (Hm, I find it interesting that my spellcheck is capitalizing Facebook.) Anyway, I will post a link to this exact article at the bottom of this post. Basically it was talking about our addiction to digital technology, social media, and it's effects on our world- immediate and long-term. How our children are growing up in this culture and will never know what it's like to NOT have Facebook. Or even cell phones, texting, twitter, all of it. How our self-esteem is determined by our updates, check-ins, tweets. How our obsession with posting data about our kids is destroying our children's privacy. Reading this article was just enough of the nudge I needed to make the change that has been needed for quite some time....
Ok so the scroll to burn is my Facebook account. Yes, my digital connection to sooo many friends (and family even) is what I need to be done with. Already I have received messages from people... "why??" Well, a few reasons... firstly, the TIME. The time it takes away from my family, my girls, my home, my God. The laundry that's sitting on the couch not being folded, the dishes that are sitting dirty in the sink, the daughter that's asking for something, the time that could be spent in the Word during what may be my only brevity of quiet for the entire day. I hate when a day ends and I look around and think What did I accomplish today? When I continually (and automatically now) throughout the day go to Facebook to send a message, post an update, check my messages, etc instead of doing something of higher priority, I am messing up. And in turn feeding the addiction of going to other things to procrastinate/ avoid responsibilities that are requiring my attention, my time.
Next reason: it's a threat to the simplicity I am longing for. It was like I had this epiphany... I am moving to the foothills. Going to be on 4 acres of beautiful countryside, and one of the most appealing attractions to me is the potential for simplicity. Not as much running around town, errands all over. More time at home, teaching my girls how to bake (heck, teaching MYSELF how to bake), growing vegetables, watching my girls ride bikes, gardening, etc etc. But yet how can I live that simple life when I spend so much time on my computer or cell phone? I'll be so busy posting pictures of the garden or girls riding bikes that I miss out on actually enjoying it. Now this is where I wanted to speak for what's specific to me. I can already sense all the defense mechanisms kicking into gear and hear the claims: Facebook isn't a bad thing! I agree, it's not. What IS a bad thing is when I allow it to consume so much of my time that I ignore much more important things. And since I apparently don't have the discipline to Facebook in moderation, it has to end.
Another reason... and this goes along with the desire for a simpler life, I don't want my girls growing up seeing Mom and Dad so well connected to their lap tops, iPads and iPhones that it places technology and connectivity on such a pedestal. Instead my desire is for them to see our highest value is connectivity with the Creator of the universe. Perhaps we as a modern culture have become so connected technologically that we have forgotten the necessity of connectivity to God. And not just connectivity- close communion. Constant communication. Imagine if we communicated with God as often as we communicate on Facebook. What would THAT say to our children? I have been so burdened lately with the world our little ones are growing up in. And the values and truths I need to instill in them. I need to be intentional in my parenting, proactive in my setting an example, passionate for the things of God, and fighting for an ultimate goal, a higher purpose, a chief aim... glorifying God. The only One worthy of it. The only One worthy of my time and my affections. The One who stirs and brings about changes in me that make me a better wife, a better mom, a better daughter, sister, friend. So can I give up Facebook for Him? To make more time for Him? To follow a conviction and be a better example to my three daughters? Yes. Yes I can.
P.S. here's the article that pushed me over the edge :) the CNN article
