Facebook is
something that I do many times a day. It is part of my job, my social
connections, and a total time waster; let’s just be real. I love the ability to
connect with old friends from across the world, but I also have begun to resent
the fact that the majority of my friends and family feel that utilizing
Facebook as the only form of communication is completely acceptable. I am of
the group that does not think it is acceptable for a close friend or family
member to only send you a Facebook Happy Birthday. Come on…sending them a text
to their phone is better than a “wall message.”
I am currently
completing a You Version (iPhone Bible App) bible reading plan titled,
#Struggles. As I was scrolling through the many options for a daily devotion I
landed on this one and it spoke directly to me. I don’t find myself envious of
other’s on Facebook, but I find myself struggling not be to be stressed. Did I
remember to pray for the 15th person that has asked me to pray? Was
I kind enough to so and so when they told me about their struggles? Did I miss
an event that someone really wanted me to go to? Oops, another birthday of an
acquaintance realized a day later! Yes, these are just a few of the #Struggles
I have been experiencing during my time on social media. It overwhelms me.
As I have completed
some personal reflection recently I realized that I am a person of deep
affection and commitment. I long for deep and meaningful relationships. I am
not very interested in surface level or the amount of friends that I have in my
back pocket. I enjoy spending quality time with people whether it be a monthly
phone call, coffee date, or weekend excursion. I don’t like to involve myself
in relationships that I don’t have time for. If you are in my circle, I want to
be available to help you if you need me. As I focus on the biblical aspect of
this feeling I keep coming back to Jesus and His disciples. Jesus of course
reached many throughout His three year mission, but he wasn’t close with all.
He loved His people deeply, but I feel strongly that there was a reason that he
had 12 disciples vs. hundreds. As I focus on His example I realize that my
desire to have deep connections with fewer people is my desire to be able to
share life, Jesus, and grace with those in my circle.
This does not give
me an excuse to be mean or not engage in activities with others, but it allows
me breathing room to not have to be close friends with hundreds. The current
bible plan that I am gives some valuable lessons, while sharing scripture that
have inspired me to continue on this journey.
“Social media should
be a place to see what’s happening in the lives of those you love-not the place
to make you envy. Let’s rejoice with those who rejoice.” I would not call my
response envy, but I would often call it judgmental or irritated. If I am
constantly having to hide someone’s updates or when I read them I am led to be
angry or upset, why am I still reading or Facebook friends with this person?
“We have to make
sure technology is enhancing our relationships, not replacing them. We need to
ensure our ability communicate doesn’t prevent us from talking more while
actually saying less.” –YouVersion Bible Application #Struggle
2 John 1: “I have a
lot to write to you. But I don’t want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope I
can visit you. Then I can talk with you face to face. That will make our joy
complete.”
