It jumped out at me that I have become far too dependent upon social media and blogging. Social media has been my lifeline - the line which has become the substitute for one on one communication. In MANY ways, it has been a blessing to become reconnected to so many I had lost touch with over the years. I have loved catching up with each and every one of those relationships. It has been interesting to see who has not changed one bit--and others, like me, who are not the same person they were 40 - 50 years ago. I have been blessed with wonderful new friendships-that because of distance would never have been possible except via the WWW. BUT anonymously slipping through your profile page and glancing at your pictures and reading your blog pages-perhaps is not a true representation of who you are---just who you want us all to think you are. Knowing my own caution of how much I reveal about myself--why would I expect you to not do the same. When given the opportunity to paint my portrait for public viewing--what would you expect but a prejudiced slant of the truth. I have slowly exchanged time on Facebook and time reading friends blogs for conversations---of any type. Perhaps social media has stymied my socialization processes. Time to regroup.
I have made a decision to go on sabbatical from social media and blogging until at least after Labor Day. It will be interesting to see what I do with the time I have spent personally disconnected through my internet connection. Perhaps I will achieve more balance in my life--perhaps I will remember the art of conversation--perhaps I will find new projects---perhaps I will grow into a better person. Perhaps---my relationship with The Father will deepen--as I spend some of that time--seeking His will for me.
I am NOT dropping out of the human race---I will still check my email--I still will have that smart phone---and my messages will be visible, but I will not be plugged in all hours of the night and day. On my trip to Alaska, I did not have my computer with me--only my phone. I found it rather refreshing to not be a slave to the latest announcement of what might be happening via the WWW. I came home and found myself deeply homesick for those great conversations---moments of amazement at God's creation---and moments of peaceful stillness and quiet. I long for the face to face connection which highlighted my trip. How do I reclaim that which is lost?
SO--please email me, text me, call me, message me--or best of all--come and sit with me on my porch and talk. I long to hear about you and your thoughts--your hopes--your dreams and how life is treating you. My email address is on this page--you may have my other contact information--but if not--that can be remedied. I will be praying for you---as you pray for me---Dear Friends--but it is time to take a break--unplug--and reassess.
“‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6: 22-26