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
You better email, or I'll hunt ya down, {{{{{rolling laughter}}}}}, wink. I understand, I will be going on sabbatical myself come next month. Blessings sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish I could sit on your porch with you, Lulu ... I have a feeling we'd have some very good conversations!
ReplyDeleteTil then, be well, spread your wings, and fly high ... I'll be looking forward to your return, friend.
Gonna miss you dear friend! I will miss your inspiration. I truly understand this journey you are taking and I am pretty close to doing the same. Be blessed!
ReplyDeleteHi Lulu! Well, I come back from a break as you go on one... Enjoy your 'unplugged' time.
ReplyDeleteI have another blog friend who felt much like you do. She really wanted to connect face to face with friends, not so much with social media. We are all called to community, in all it's forms. I hope you find the community life you are looking for.
I wish we lived closer. I'd love to sit on your porch and talk!
Blessings,
Ceil
Hey
ReplyDelete