At the time I’m writing this, I’m 50 years old, 50 pounds overweight, and I have a to-do list of household tasks, errands, and phone calls to make that I add more to every day than I check off. My triglycerides are through the roof, and I’ve been telling myself for weeks (months, years) that I’m going to start walking the neighborhood daily but have yet to do it. I also have lots of excuses. Like perimenopause is messing with my sleep, so I’m tired and don’t feel like doing what I planned. Or so and so needs me, and there’s just not enough time in the day. Or I finally have some time to myself, and I just want to relax. Or I’m not going to get it completely done today anyway, so why even bother starting?
But a real reason, the one it seems God has been bringing to my attention over and over again, is my internet and social media usage. Somehow I always have time for that. To browse the internet and shop for things I’m not planning to buy yet. To do crossword puzzles. To check my email (the majority of which is junk) countless times a day. To scroll social media until my mood worsens because of the negativity and division that are so often prevalent. Or because I’m comparing myself to someone else’s perfect picture, even though I know better.
And for the past several months I’ve been thinking about Paul’s instruction in Colossians 3:17 “whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Everything. What a tremendous command from Saint Paul. And I’ve been wondering what my life might look like if I actually obeyed that in even one area? What if, instead of using it to distract myself from life and waste time, I only use the internet in the name of the Lord Jesus? What if I stop allowing myself to be ruled by it and use it as the gift God intends it to be? What does it look like to use the internet for God’s glory and nothing else?
Today I begin a journey to try and find out. I’m not sure what the first step will be. Maybe try the digital detox on Hallow again and actually finish it this time? I’ve been eyeballing the full course over at Humanality too. Either way, this isn’t my first attempt at undertaking the journey, but this time feels different.
Catholic Unplugged 