Thursday, March 05, 2009

belated lenten internet fast

I've decided to take a fast from the internet, with the exception of email, TV shows (Lost, Office, House & Friday Night Lights), and my blogs. There are many things I look forward to doing with the time this will create: reading real books and a magazine or two, watching the Netflix movie that's been sitting here for days, actually writing on this blog, cleaning the house, praying, and most sorely neglected, reading the Bible.

I realized that God was asking me to do this last night while I was feeding Ellary and listening to a podcast. Typically, I use our nursing time as my main internet time, and it adds up pretty quickly. I happened to look down at my baby and remember how intensely I love her; it's unlike any other feeling in the world. Perhaps I could use this as an opportunity to pray over her, instead of just passing the time.

It's a strange sacrifice. I'm not sure how I got so addicted to my Google reader, Twitter, and Facebook, but I have the sense that this fast is going to dramatically change my life for the better. I'm going to have numerous opportunities to stop and listen, to reflect in a deeper place, without the distraction and noise of a thousand cyber voices.

So the question is: will the fast last until Easter? Or will I keep it up for longer? Will I be motivated to establish more boundaries for myself? I'm interested to see where this goes.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

oh man, do I need to do that! Good job--I look forward to hearing how it goes. By the way? Love the name Ellary.

Linn said...

Having seen you so recently, and enjoying time with your mom, and having extra time while on this jaunt - I'm just catching up on your blog. Yes, it is so easy to be distracted from what is most Important. May God lead you as a result of this fast to know how he wants you to grow, and pray, and play. Love you!

n*stitches said...

I did the same thing! I was feeling overwhelmed by my constant computer time. I was also beginning to feel an obligation to the online world... people I didn't even know. Anyway - I made it to Easter and am back on. I certainly feel a better balance!