Being In The Know

Today was a bit different than in the past. I didn't use Facebook for the first time in a long time. I'm a Facebook junkie. It's weird voluntarily not using FB. I have gone a day or two in the past not using it because of camping, lack of service, or being sick but never because I was choosing to not use it.

I use it for so many things other than just FB stalking people. I used it for my photography business, for my boss' real estate business, to solicit prayer, keep family updated, and so on. The list is never ending. And so were my excuses to not get rid of it. 

Literally speaking, I am addicted to Facebook. I find the whole thing fascinating. But all too consuming. My life started revolving around checking it when I got up in the morning, before I went to bed, 90,000 times during the day. It is quite a problem.

When my pastor asked me to lead a study on idolatry, I thought about it and was confused. Why would God call me to lead a study on idols? I don't have a thriving career; I'm not a materialistic person; I'm not consumed with thoughts or actions of money, power, sex, etc. So really, why would he choose me? I was sitting on my couch, talking with my cousin on Facebook, telling my kids to wait for the umpteenth time, when it hit me.... Facebook.

I could almost hear God say "ding ding ding ding ding!" Like I had hit the jackpot.

The conclusion made me think about how much time I had spent on Facebook, and it was quite a bit. I also realized I was pushing my kids needs and desires aside to look at one more picture, have one more conversation, share one more pointless picture. 

Facebook isn't bad. The idea is genius. The connections made are awesome, but the reality is, it's a very consuming Website.

We live in a society and culture that is always "in the know." I'm in the know as to who is pregnant, in the know of who is back stabbing who, in the know of who is drinking what where with who. In the know isn't necessarily a good thing. Being in the know also means, you know what your friends are doing and that they didn't invite you. Being in the know also means that you know more about other peoples marital and/or relationship problems more than you need to. Being in the know means you are likely sharing MORE about your personal life than you need to. Being in the know is what helped me realize I am TOO much in the know.

I am thrilled to say I have made it through day 1 of 50 days without Facebook. I say 50, because after realizing that Pentecost (10 days after the final ascension of Jesus and the day that the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles) was 50 days post Easter, I thought "why not?" I am trying to work on my relationship with Jesus. Focus on him. Remove all idols from myself to let him be in charge of my path, and follow in his light.

I have no idea how I will change at the end of this process, but I know that God does!! And that is just fine with me!

I hope you had an AMAZING Easter celebration. We celebrated with six of our friends and their kids! It was beautiful!