Going Dark.....
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For the last several days, I have gone dark.
Translation=no social media.
I deleted my Instagram, my connection to the "world".
This is not the first time I have done this. I have taken breaks, even really long breaks before.
Here's what I have discovered when I quiet my world....
I pray more. Like a LOT more.
I am more present.
I listen to my husband and kids more.
Again, because I am present.
I write more. Hello, blog.
I read more. Like a TON more.
I listen to Christian Podcasts, or my Bible app. more.
I judge less.
I am agitated less.
I complain less.
I compare less.
I desire less.
These are just a few things that I have noticed each time I log off for a while.
My reason for logging off this time was because of something my 17 year old son said in the car one day.
I was telling my husband about someone on Instagram, who I don't even know very well. I was describing some of their posts and making judgmental comments about this person.
I had found myself secretly rolling my eyes when I read a post from this person.
My son spoke up and said, "Mom, you wouldn't feel this way if you were not on Instagram. You are judging someone that you do not even know that well. Is that really good?"
Side note--it never ever feels good when your child points out a lack of judgment in your life. But, it sure makes an impact.
My son was absolutely right.
I prayed about his words. I asked God to forgive me for being quick to judge.
The next day, I deleted the Instagram app from my phone.
Here is the thing about me--I cannot just "not look at it". It won't work. I will be lured back in.
I have to just delete the app so that I won't be tempted to log back on.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Instagram. It can definitely be a tool of witness.
However, it can also do damage to our hearts (and to others) if we are not careful.
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
How do we make the "most of every opportunity?"
Sometimes, it may look like removing something from our lives that can make us stumble. Or make us distracted.
My friend Lisa, said something recently that really resonated in my heart.
She said, I find myself asking, what is the wiser choice here?
Wow. What perspective.
What if we asked ourselves this on the regular.
When we find ourselves "bored" or just trying to fill the time through idleness....
Maybe we could ask ourselves...."What is the wiser choice here? How can I make the most of this opportunity?"
That moment in the car was eye and heart opening for me.
I am not normally a bitter or judge-y person. I love people. ALL people.
So, what happened to make my heart and mouth say such things about someone I did not even really know?
I think when our hands are idle, we let the guard down on our hearts.
13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 1 Timothy 5:13
We are not actively guarding our hearts and sure enough, the enemy will find a way to creep in and take up space.
If we are to remain online, we must guard our hearts. We must take those thoughts (and eyeballs) captive to the obedience of Christ.
So, Instagram and I are on a break.
Who knows how long it will last.
I just know that I need a re-set.
My heart desperately longs to do the "wiser" thing in all areas of my life.
Those pockets of time can be filled differently. With more prayer. More bible reading. More listening. More checking on my elderly neighbors.
Just more.
What about you? Is there an area in your life that you may need to ponder the "wiser" choice?
If unsure, ask the Lord. He will certainly let you know. He may just speak it through one of your children. :)
scrolling less,
jill
Want to receive SHINE devotionals in your inbox? Go here.
Have a prayer request, question or comment? Email me @ shinegirlsshine.com
For the last several days, I have gone dark.
Translation=no social media.
I deleted my Instagram, my connection to the "world".
This is not the first time I have done this. I have taken breaks, even really long breaks before.
Here's what I have discovered when I quiet my world....
I pray more. Like a LOT more.
I am more present.
I listen to my husband and kids more.
Again, because I am present.
I write more. Hello, blog.
I read more. Like a TON more.
I listen to Christian Podcasts, or my Bible app. more.
I judge less.
I am agitated less.
I complain less.
I compare less.
I desire less.
These are just a few things that I have noticed each time I log off for a while.
My reason for logging off this time was because of something my 17 year old son said in the car one day.
I was telling my husband about someone on Instagram, who I don't even know very well. I was describing some of their posts and making judgmental comments about this person.
I had found myself secretly rolling my eyes when I read a post from this person.
My son spoke up and said, "Mom, you wouldn't feel this way if you were not on Instagram. You are judging someone that you do not even know that well. Is that really good?"
Side note--it never ever feels good when your child points out a lack of judgment in your life. But, it sure makes an impact.
My son was absolutely right.
I prayed about his words. I asked God to forgive me for being quick to judge.
The next day, I deleted the Instagram app from my phone.
Here is the thing about me--I cannot just "not look at it". It won't work. I will be lured back in.
I have to just delete the app so that I won't be tempted to log back on.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Instagram. It can definitely be a tool of witness.
However, it can also do damage to our hearts (and to others) if we are not careful.
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
How do we make the "most of every opportunity?"
Sometimes, it may look like removing something from our lives that can make us stumble. Or make us distracted.
My friend Lisa, said something recently that really resonated in my heart.
She said, I find myself asking, what is the wiser choice here?
Wow. What perspective.
What if we asked ourselves this on the regular.
When we find ourselves "bored" or just trying to fill the time through idleness....
Maybe we could ask ourselves...."What is the wiser choice here? How can I make the most of this opportunity?"
That moment in the car was eye and heart opening for me.
I am not normally a bitter or judge-y person. I love people. ALL people.
So, what happened to make my heart and mouth say such things about someone I did not even really know?
I think when our hands are idle, we let the guard down on our hearts.
13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 1 Timothy 5:13
We are not actively guarding our hearts and sure enough, the enemy will find a way to creep in and take up space.
If we are to remain online, we must guard our hearts. We must take those thoughts (and eyeballs) captive to the obedience of Christ.
So, Instagram and I are on a break.
Who knows how long it will last.
I just know that I need a re-set.
My heart desperately longs to do the "wiser" thing in all areas of my life.
Those pockets of time can be filled differently. With more prayer. More bible reading. More listening. More checking on my elderly neighbors.
Just more.
What about you? Is there an area in your life that you may need to ponder the "wiser" choice?
If unsure, ask the Lord. He will certainly let you know. He may just speak it through one of your children. :)
scrolling less,
jill
