Facebook.
To book, or not to book: that is my question.
Today I read the status update of Audrey Assad (I'm a fan of hers on facebook-she's the one that wrote "Winter Snow" that I love so much), and her status read, "Goodbye Facebook...till Christmas at least. Ready to spend the last week of Advent in quiet...and waiting."
I loved the thought she had to really spend time meditating this week on Advent. I've been so rushed and busy with piano lessons and photography, doctor appointments and holiday events that I feel like these last three weeks have literally been a blur, and this is my favorite season! I have barely had a chance to just let...it...sink...in.
But at what cost? Why am I even on Facebook? I've been in a pro-con list mood lately, which is actually a bad habit because I then rely on my outcome list instead of on prayer with Him on the subject of whatever I'm torn on, but in this case I was curious:
Pros for Facebook:
*I can connect with family and friends back home.
*I can keep up-to-date on what's going on with family and friends, like knowing who finished finals up, who stayed up too late, and who is regretting purchasing a printer for lack of being able to print envelopes.
*I can see posts from other moms and know that I am not alone in my pile of laundry, my dirty dishes, and my fussy child.
*I can encourage others with positive status updates, post links to online sermons, music, or blog posts.
*I can share links to my favorite Christmas songs :)
*....um...I'm sure I'll think of another one!
Cons for Facebook:
*Time away from God.
*Time away from Bible.
*Time away from Alan.
*Time away from Isaac.
*Time away from studying photography in my {spare} time.
*Time away from reading a good book.
*Time away from enjoying the Christmas season.
*Time away from finishing my bible study.
*Time away from playing piano late at night after Isaac's asleep, and now that Alan has tuned {well, most} of it.
*Time away from really connecting with friends {as in one-on-one in person}
*Mindless time away from important things, like sleep!
Hmm. Doesn't take long to look at that list and see which is more important. So then why do I still do Facebook? If I diligently made an attempt to not use Facebook this week, I might miss out on:
~Seeing how others are spending their Christmas
~Reading status updates of what gifts everyone got {and then feeling depressed 'cause, well, let's face it: we can't afford gifts like most people get}
~Missing family and friends back home even more
~Miss the gossip of what's a happenin' 'round Manhappinen {Manhattan, to those didn't catch that ;)}
But what could it provide?
~A chance to spend some serious and much needed quality time with my Lord.
~A chance to meditate on Advent.
~A chance to sing through and read through Christmas songs, hymns and lyrics.
~A chance to soak up Isaac during this special season.
~A chance to write in my journal and blog.
~A chance to finish listening to the online Ruth series that I started 5 months ago.
~A chance to reflect and learn from Pastor Flack's Advent in the Old Testament series by listening to them online throughout my day.
~A chance to pray.
~A chance to be...
Silent. Still. Quiet. Peaceful? Perhaps, if the kid cuts his teeth anytime soon ;).
So really it's about giving up a flesh desire and a want in order to grow and reflect and not be so rushed. To overcome something earthly {facebook, gossip, attention, etc.}.
So this should be an obvious answer, right?
Hey, I made your pro list! Hehehe
ReplyDeleteIMHO, I think the answer is the same as it is for chocolate... everything in moderation. If you find yourself constantly on Facebook all day, then it is probably affecting those areas on your con list. But if you check it (like Melissa suggested) at a time you would be taking a break from all those things anyway, I don't see the harm.
Especially as a stay-at-home mom, Facebook has made a huge difference in my life. When I am out of touch with people, it's really easy to sink into depression (though of course time with God would help that too). And seeing what other people are doing and how other moms are coping inspires me to do better, gives me ideas how to do better and alerts me when my girlfriends are struggling with something.
Also, being an introvert (I know, no one believes me), Facebook helps me relate to people so that when I do see them IRL, I know how to get a conversation started.
On the other hand, ridding my mind of all the chatter once in a while is probably a good thing too. Have a Merry, Facebookless Christmas!
I hear ya Jodie, I often seem to waste a lot of time on FB and have thought about just quitting it all together but the one thing I love about it... is reaching out to those who are lost and praying for the prayer requests that are often posted..you can add that to your pro list if you'd like:) But yes I agree taking some time away to refocus on what the season is really about is more important than anything this world has including facebook:) merry christmas!
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