“Wow! You can actually HEAR the person!”
When I heard that on a t.v show a while back I burst out laughing. When it’s put like that I just think it’s hilarious 🙂
It’s true though, isn’t it?
I’ve determined that I’m a granny at heart. I have always been a step behind in the technology department. I’ve admitted before that I don’t text very often. It just takes me forever to send a message. I’d rather just pick up the phone and call ya.
Well, to be totally honest, part of it is because it takes way to much effort to text someone (translation- I’m way too lazy) but I also think it’s because my soul longs to connect. Really connect.
Lately God has really been speaking to me about boundaries, priorities and relationships in my life. And what it really boils down to is BALANCE. I need to find balance in my life. Balance between “God-time,” “me-time,” “hubby-time,” “mama-time,””friend-time”. How do we fit it all in?
Somehow over time I allowed myself to become way off balance.
I’ve spent more time on the computer checking facebook and other blogs than I really should.
And in the process have cocooned myself from pouring into my real face to face relationships.
Recently I heard someone say ” If the grass is greener on the other side maybe you need to water your grass.”
When I look at other women and their close friendships I am tempted to whine about my grass. In reality, my relationship grass is simply in great need of some watering. In fact it may need some fertilizer too. Actually come to think of it, I probably need to completely re-sod my grass 🙂
I find that I’ve been hiding behind things like facebook and email and allowing them to take place of what is truly the best way to connect- face to face.
And so I am trying to take a few baby steps away from the computer.
I have decided to take a big step away from facebook.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I think that facebook is great. I love the way it connects us. I love that I am able to stay in contact with people who don’t live close to me (which is the main reason why I am keeping my account!) I also love encouraging others and being encouraged.
But I’m finding myself checking it way more than I need to and getting easily sidetracked.
I am realizing more and more that I am missing out on what is right in front of me (mainly my family) while I sit in front of the computer.
So, for me, this is a step.
I will continue to blog.
I love it too much to step away completely. I need to write for me, for my relationship with God, for my kids and also to connect with all of you. Man, do I love you guys! 🙂
But, as you may have noticed, I have been in a bit of a blogging rut. Part of it is just the fact that I was feeling so sick in my first trimester, but I also think that God in his mercy has been teaching me about balance.
For a season, you may not see as much of me as before but I promise I am around and miss you guys 😀
How do you find balance?
I love Jesus, my guy Chris + our four. We seek joy. Homeschool. Adventure together. Mess up and start again.
GIrl you are singing my tune! Do I struggle with this? YES! A thousand times YES!
Facebook is a total love/hate relationship for me and blogging, while I enjoy it, is in constant reassessment. I have found a happy medium for blogging for now, but I too am taking a giant step away from Facebook.
I want time with my family face to face and don't want to look back on my days as a series of sessions on the internet. It's tough because it's an easy outlet. I have even gone so far as to consider getting rid of the internet altogether and only using free wi-fi like at Starbucks and other hot spots. Or having Chris make the internet password protected and only he can have the password. But I'm a big girl and need to learn self control.
However on the flip side, communication via the internet is sometimes easy for checking calendars and planning playdates. My new goal is only to check the computer once in the morning for messages and once in the late afternoon/evening for "pleasure". This will be a challenge for me.
I think trying to find balance is such a good thing. It's something that will have flux depending on what's going on in life. But I agree, less computer, more face to face is definitely a good thing. Care to have an accountability partner?
I totally agree. I could have written this post. Face to face relationships are so much more important than Facebook ones. I've definitely stepped back a lot and I'm going to continue to do so. Great thoughts…
i get this.
facebook is so addicting. i seriously have to limit myself…and then have to force myself to stick to those limits. i'm isolated out here in nova scotia (where i say i live…it is near timbuktu), and so f.b. causes me to not feel so lonely, BUT it does cause me to miss out on my family and my life happening around me.
no one calls or even emails anymore. all my messages are via f.b. i'd get rid of it if people would communicate another way.
i consider myself to be texting virgin. i've only made out with texting 4x. i don't want to get into a serious texting relationship…EVER!
i like to hear people's voices. see their faces (i want to skype with you).
i can't give up blogging. it is a healing outlet for me, and i have gained a few relationships i value (OH HOW I WANT TO MEET YOU IN PERSON!)
Hey Sara,
I do recently sent my "last text" to friends and family in an effort to be more mindful with myself and my 6 month old baby girl. You see I had a son 18 years ago…and to tell you the truth..I remember very little because I was so "busy" with life…this time it's going to be different. Please~ step away from the computer too and do so without any guilt or explanation…those of us who are on the path will and do understand. You are an inspiration! Blessings, Lisa
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I hear you on this one, friend. We're struggling with balance presently too — as we adjust to new job schedules and still wanting to build and pour into personal relationships. My prayers are with you in this!
I don't think I've ever commented before!
I coudn't agree more. We are a bit behind the times, but by choice. My cell phone is only a phone, I can text but don't have a plan and no internet. It drives me nuts when I see parent's sitting at a table with small children and typing away on their phones, their kiddos just sitting there. Friends standing in line together but texting someone else.
Checking blogs is my regroup time, so instead of cutting it out completly I try to do it during naptime or after bedtime. Is staring at a screen really that importnat?!?
Dont' get me wrong, I've been very inspired but some blogs and my relationship with my Savior has grown as well. Everything in moderation, right?!?
Great post, I really enjoyed it!
I've had to work on this issue too! A few months ago, I decided to cut back on my FB and blogging time and I'm so glad I did.
Glad you're going to keep blogging 😉
Sarah, I love your perspective- and YOU! Your heart is genuine and such a light. I can soOoo relate to this post- it's a daily, sometimes hourly, decision in keeping balance-truly. I've stepped back from a ton of things since Brayden was born…and still haven't gotten back into all of it. It's been a precious time for me though and I don't regret any of it. We have to do what is right for each of us and be where God wants us to be. It's hard to be 'in the moment" for me when I'm doing too much, also. I've been thinking of you so much and pray for you every time- for a healthy pregnancy, perfect beautiful baby, and all of God's blessings for you. You are dear to me, even if you're SOOO far away 🙂 !!
p.s.
I have NO idea why I spelled/ended your name with an H, sorry 🙂 ha!
Oh such a struggle for me, too. The facebook thing…ugh. I really really need to take a step back from it. And I am guilty of checking my phone a little too often. Love my iphone, but it's a very dangerous thing. Thank you for this post, a good reminder for me.
As for blogging. Well, that's different for me. It's my outlet, my 'me' time, my way to document our lives, it's almost like therapy for me. It's a part of my life that I do when the kids are napping or in bed and I love it.
But the facebook and phone thing…yep. Gotta work on it.
Keep sharing, friend! God spoke to me through you today so keep it up!
I hear you on this one, friend. We're struggling with balance presently too — as we adjust to new job schedules and still wanting to build and pour into personal relationships. My prayers are with you in this!
i get this.
facebook is so addicting. i seriously have to limit myself…and then have to force myself to stick to those limits. i'm isolated out here in nova scotia (where i say i live…it is near timbuktu), and so f.b. causes me to not feel so lonely, BUT it does cause me to miss out on my family and my life happening around me.
no one calls or even emails anymore. all my messages are via f.b. i'd get rid of it if people would communicate another way.
i consider myself to be texting virgin. i've only made out with texting 4x. i don't want to get into a serious texting relationship…EVER!
i like to hear people's voices. see their faces (i want to skype with you).
i can't give up blogging. it is a healing outlet for me, and i have gained a few relationships i value (OH HOW I WANT TO MEET YOU IN PERSON!)