Mark 2:27
Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
Back in August of last year, I decide to change things up a bit with my internet usage. (You can read about that decision here.) I feel I am spending an inordinate amount of time browsing through e-mails, news articles, other blogs, and, of course, Facebook postings. I choose to take Sundays as a Sabbath rest from the webby world.
Several weeks into this discipline, I find myself rethinking my purpose in taking this break. What am I doing with my internet-less time? Am I doing enough writing and reading? Praying and reflecting? And, why, of all things, am I feeling stressed instead of blessed?
It turns out that, although I am absent from the internet for one entire day, my e-mails multiply like rabbits. My Facebook notifications grow exponentially. It take so long to go trough them all on Monday morning, I feel defeated and frustrated before I've even taken my second sip of coffee.
That's not Sabbath rest . . .
It's hit-the-road-running-full-tilt-Monday-morning blues.
So, I change tactics. I decide to give myself permission to use the internet to check my mail, blog comments, and news feeds on Sundays. The only venue which I keep out of the mix is Facebook. I have been practicing this habit for quite some time and it's really working great.
Because, of all the enticements the internet has to offer, Facebook, for me, is the most distracting. If anything keeps me from reading my Bible as I should, or reading other books for edification, it's that, for sure! I find this arrangement both worthwhile and productive.
Why?
Well, for starters, I've completed two blog posts two Sundays in a row. In fact, what you're reading right now is my second one today. Gotta love it!
Jesus reminds the Pharisees, and us, that Sabbath rest is supposed to be a time for renewing our spirits, not dampening them. While we should pray, read our Bibles, and reflect upon God's goodness every day, the Sabbath means spending more time in the presence of our Lord.
It's all about growing and going in His ways.
Letting His love and peace wash over us, cleansing us for the week ahead.
How wonderful it is to know that God cared so much for us, He made the Sabbath.
Just. For. Us.
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Besides going to church on Sunday, how do you spend the rest of that day?
Prayer: We are so grateful, Father, for the Sabbath rest You created just for us. May we spend our time on Sunday as You would have us do, and prepare our hearts, souls, and minds for the week ahead. Amen.
Yes, thank God for those days of rest. The internet does consume a lot of our time. Enjoy your facebook free days.
ReplyDeleteI will, Suzy! Thanks so much for coming by today! :)
DeleteYes, church on Sunday Martha:) I actually (not consciously) but by circumstances have found that I am online less on Sundays. Half the day is for God and the other half to get ready for the week. There's a little time in between for family, friends, internet, exercise and more. I think experiment and finding what works is best for each person.
ReplyDeleteDoing a bit on Sunday so you don't feel overwhelmed on Monday is an effective idea.
One experiment I'm going to be doing this year as i do some traveling is to get the internet off my phone by going phoneless:) That will be a new an interesting adventure! To only check email and blog while I'm on facebook. hope to share with everyone how that one goes.
Thanks so much for dropping by, Vishnu!
DeleteI do like what you are going to do - only checking e-mail on your computer, not your phone. Lol! I have what I like to call a "dumb" phone and have no internet on it, so that's one less temptation for me.
And, you're so right - whatever it is we do, it should be restorative and help us prepare for the week ahead.
Love and blessings!
I really like your blog! Your new follower!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://conpaolaincucina.blogspot.it/
So glad you are following, Francesca! It's great to have you on board! I will be sure to check out your blog, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Rest from normal activities is so important, Martha. I know how much I benefit from time away from the computer, even if it does make Monday a bit crazy computer wise. After church I had lunch with a neighbor and then simply relaxed, spent some additional time in the Word, made a few phone calls, and watched some Olympic coverage.
ReplyDeleteAll in all a wonderful and blessed day!
Love and blessings,
Kim
Kim, your day sounded perfect! God does want us to rest and to find those activities which make us more aware of how He is moving, and wants to move, in our lives.
DeleteThanks so much for visiting, my friend!
Love and blessings!
I admire your dedication to eliminating some social networking on the weekend. We could all afford to do that. Facebook, in particular, drags me in. It makes us all feel more important than we are! Nice to find another believer in the blogosphere. :-) Come visit me!
ReplyDelete