Media Month

For almost a week two weeks three weeks… I have been trying to process our Media Fast (see this blog if you aren’t sure what I am talking about), so take these disconnected thoughts with the understanding that God’s not finished with us yet.

Instant Messenger, Facebook, text messaging, Words With Friends, Blogs, Pinterest, Face Time – OH MY!

I have been blessed to have connectedness with many groups of people, close bonds with many families, and genuine friendships with a handful of people for the large majority of my life… spending hours and hours together sharing, laughing, crying, exploring, even vacationing.

When I was in high school AOL Instant Messenger became very popular. I remember spending hours talking to my friends in the evening – because, of course, I didn't get to see and talk to them enough at school, during after school activities and at church.

Later in college, Facebook became popular and I found it to be a wonderful way to keep in touch with friends and family members who were far away.

But at some point in time the use of these inventions got carried away...  

Last month… our month of Media Fasting… put these modern “ conveniences” in perspective. While many recent technologies allow us to feel “in touch” with many friends and family members, they can also give us a false sense of connectedness.

Our media fast helped me understand the depth of the current relationships I have with friends and family… as well as the friendship I have with my Savior. I had a couple hour conversation with a High School friend (which was long over due). I enjoyed (more than normal) a monthly dinner meeting with friends from college. A three hour Saturday morning coffee meeting was a feast for my soul... but more often last month... I called many friends and they responded by text message. I left voice-mails in hopes of getting a call back or to schedule some real face time and weeks later I found Facebook messages apologizing.

This made me feel empty. I missed the everyday communication and feeling of being “in touch” and at the same time I grieved the days of spending hours together in genuine community. But, EVERY SINGLE DAY Jesus was there. He listened and loved and guided and reassured. He helped Nick and I grow in our marriage. He revealed opportunities I wonder if I would have missed had I been checking Facebook, Pinterest, Words With Friends, blogs, text messages, etc…   

So what now? Well, I have to admit… three weeks later I am using Facebook, texting, Gmail Chatting, blogs and Pinterest to reconnect with friends and family members – BUT -  I am more intentional about making plans and spending real face time together. I'm calling long-distance friends instead of just sending them the little " Miss you. Let's catch up soon." notes.  I’m leaving my phone on silent and trying to be more present when I am with a group of people. And I am thanking my Savior for the opportunities he continues to provide us with – especially those which lead to genuine community with others.

Try a week long fast of text messaging or Facebook or whatever it is that is a competing distraction for you.

Give it a try and be blessed.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2