Facebook was the first to go. I was done with falling into a trap EVERY SINGLE TIME I went there to find the answer to one question, or the one person I wanted to catch up on . . . and ending up scrolling too long, wasting time, adding to my neck pain, feeling scrambled in my thinking, deceiving myself and others about it, and still not successfully stopping the behavior.
So I made it go away.
I started exercising better habits, like reading books, meeting with people in person, writing blog posts and NOT hanging out on social media. My plan was to use my phone only for calls, texts and emergencies. The bulk of my work would be on my computer.
In proving I had an addiction problem at some level, like my tendency to overeat, I realized it was time for a healthy adjustment in my thinking. When I repeatedly cross my boundaries regarding food, I find a return to peace and contentment within myself when I realign my habits with what I really want in life. Which means, I fast, question my current nutrition values, re-evaluate my priorities and desires, and I ask …
What did Jesus say is most important?
And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:35-40 ESV
A Sort-of Disclaimer
It may seem my decision to restrict internet use was overreacting, but I was excited to try it. I celebrated my 70th birthday a few months ago and the 60plus-year anniversary of my decision to follow Jesus. I’m still learning that if I engage in an activity that isn’t related to my love for God or for others, I am most likely not where I want to be.
Three Weeks Later…
As I snapped my new phone into its case today I contemplated once again how many of my old apps I would install on it. A lot of them are back after finding they were actually tools I could use. The ones that were more problematic are either still gone or are harder to get to, on the “back page” so to speak, so I have to work at finding them.
A lot of people in my church community are engaged in a digital fast for the month of February as a healthy exercise. I love the timing of it. My goal is to avoid screens, choosing instead to practice love by taking a walk, praying, having a verbal conversation, making a new friend or taking a nap.
I want to use my remaining years doing something I can be proud of, so, would you like to meet me at Max Porter’s for tea?
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