I have no doubt, however, that he'd not make an issue of "blog" now since it's such a common word, AND it's in the dictionary.
I've thought a lot lately about the three years I've been blogging. It's been a profitable time of recording memories, sharing pictures with family members, as well as the precious details of daily life that we soon forget.
It's kept me disciplined to know what I think, put those thoughts on paper, and communicate them at least somewhat coherently.
I've also reflected lately on what I used to do with my time before I blogged. Because whenever we choose to do something, we're also choosing to not do something else.
I think it's a good question to ask ourselves about those things we do that are outside our primary responsibilities. Most of these things are good in themselves. It's the attachment we have and the importance we connect to them that can be deceiving.
What did you do with your time before you discovered Facebook? Or a favorite television series, or a new hobby? What important, even life changing, things do you not have time for anymore, but you could easily do if you gave up or reduced the time spend doing any of the above?
Would you work on relationships at home more? Write more letters to friends and your children? Give more hugs and kisses to your Littles or read them more books? Would you play games more? Decorate your home? Teach your children better?
Would you be a better parent or friend? Show more hospitality? Would you be in the Word more and cultivate a stronger prayer life? Would you sit and watch that sunset or listen to your child tell the same story for the tenth time and actually remember what she said?
Would you have time to play hide and seek or make play dough or a favorite dessert? Would there be room for bedtime stories or cuddle time?
Yes, these are good questions. What was life like before blogging or Facebook or _______? Is the trade-off a good one, or do I need to make changes and let something go?
With love,
Amen, sister!!! Precisely why I let go of my blog a while back. And slower in coming has been my letting go of reading blogs. But it's here. And I've reduced my computer time GREATLY - and the trade off has been astoundingly rewarding. God has rewarded my discipline, my self-imposed limitations, and I have my life before blogging back. Oh it was good for a season. Very good. But seasons come and go, and I think to recognize that is grace from Him. I sure love you, friend. And while it takes me a while to get around the bloggy world these days, that doesn't mean you're not right here in my heart and prayers daily. Love you MUCH! Tami
ReplyDeleteGood words to consider, Trisha. Social media has its uses but can turn into a time hog or worse, an idol.
ReplyDeleteThese are the questions that haunt me, Trisha, and that I continually have to bring to the Lord. Not only what did I do before blogging, but what could I be doing NOW if I didn't blog?
ReplyDeleteWhile I do see blogging as ministry (and maybe the exact one I'm supposed to be doing now?), I know it does consume a lot of my time, some weeks more than others.
I'll continue to pray about this. Thanks for pointing us in the right direction to consider these questions.
I think about blogging and social
ReplyDeletemedia a lot too. While I am not
going to get into Facebook, Twitter,
or anything else, I do enjoy blogging
due to the opportunity to lift up the
name of the Lord. I have also met
some of the dearest people through
blogging. As with everything else,
moderation is the key.
Tami,
ReplyDeleteI know you've profited greatly by limiting your computer time. I so admire your obedience to the LORD, no matter what the issue might be. Love you!!
Persis,
Right. It's all about examining ourselves regularly about our attachments and usage.
Lisa,
Oh, my friend, I understand. We're all at different seasons and with different responsibilities, and none of us can tell the other what to do (unless it's clear abuse of a medium) because our circumstances are so different. Your blog is an encouragement, and I think the time consumption rises and falls according to our what's going on in our lives. That's what's important...to pray about it and seek what the LORD would have us to do. And that will be different for each on of us. Love to you!
Sandy,
I stay away from the other social media, too, but just because I know myself and can get too easily caught up in them. Right....blogs are great, and I'm glad I've invested the time in what I've done. I just find it's good to keep a check on myself by considering these other things. Yes, moderation is very helpful when it comes to computer usage or any other ways we're spending our time. Hugs!
I appreciate all the time you spend to post on this blog. I check
ReplyDeletethis EVERY morning when I get up, and love the pictures of my
precious grandchildren. Thank you
dear daughter.
HUGS,
memaw
I used to like being on the computer a lot.. don't know why because there wasn't tons of things to do. ha. But, I've finally decided that it isn't all it's cracked up to be, and have been working on trying to cut my computer time down. "Everything in Moderation", I guess! Blogging, Facebook, etc aren't bad things to do, if you do it in moderation and leave lots of room for those other more important things (family time, relationships, etc). However, it is really difficult!! I know I have a very hard time to resist that urge to check my email every five minutes (as if I have that many emails any way!! lol!).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this!!! It was encouraing to read. :)
I love you! Sarah
Good post. It is a thing each person has to come up with on their own with God. I agree with what Sarah said, everything in moderation. You can turn anything into too much of a good thing. It is just learning to control it and not let it control you. :) I haven't been very good at that lately, so thanks for the encouragement to keep it in check!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Rebecca
Love this post my friend...so glad you still write from the heart. I have bookmarked this blog to keep tabs on you.
ReplyDeleteSending you many hugs and much love...
Camille xo
I have re-read all your questions and if I'm honest, I'll have to admit that most of my answers would be "Yes."
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Trisha. I can lose perspective very quickly and need much honest reflecting and assessing in this area.
Love and hugs!
That is a very thought-provoking post. Every day I am aware that I am prioritizing and reprioritizing in an attempt to accomplish all that I want or should do. I will say, though, that I do not know what it feels like to be bored!
ReplyDelete