Day 6 and 7 of Social Media - Pattern Change

As I reflect on the last two days of the social media challenge issued by Jen Hatmaker's book, 7 I felt that this one has hit the closet to home for me out of all of the first four weeks of this challenge.  I knew that I spent too much time scrolling and was craving more meaningful time spent especially with my children and with my husband.  It was moments of conviction but not enough time thoughtfully spent seeking a solution.

This past week with the reading of the chapter, consulting scripture, and the Holy Spirit's conviction on my heart I was able to move beyond conviction to repentance to turn from the mindless habit and turn my full attention towards things that mattered the most.

I couldn't quit cold turkey against all social media.  So much good comes out of being able to call a friend, send a prayer request, share in a productive way what Christ is doing in our lives... What I was called to do was to deeply consider the time spent, the purpose of the activity online, and the outcome...was it honoring God, was it productive, was it the Best Yes of my time and the time I spent away from those who depend on me?

If it was a no, it meant the phone had a place that wasn't attached to my hand, my mouth, or my body...it went in the basket.  This allowed me freedom from the pings of messages, emails unread, updates from news apps and target sales.  Freedom to think uninterrupted, to serve uninterrupted, to worship, and to live uninterrupted.  Funny thing was all that was breaking news, and a current urgent message survived the three to four hours I was away from the phone and it was in the basket.  I learned it will keep!

I am hoping these lessons learned this week will keep too.  I read awhile ago that it takes awhile for a new behavior to become a pattern and for a pattern to become a habit.  I've developed new behaviors with the basket and with boundaries and have kept the pattern for these last few days.  I'm praying now for a habit to form and my heart to be changed for the better.

Sincerely,
Dawn