I gave up playing Mafia Wars on Facebook for Lent. The practice of “giving up” things for Lent is supposed to be a sacrifice, to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. It’s supposed to free up our minds to devote more time to the things of God.
It’s worked for me in one respect — I have had more time for Bible study and prayer. But it hasn’t been the sacrifice that I thought it would be. On the contrary, it has felt like liberation. I may never go back.
Quitting the game has gotten me thinking that I really can live with a lot less social media in my life. Don’t get me wrong. Facebook helps me keep in touch with friends and family far away … as well as frequent daily touchstones with friends I see frequently. I find out how I can pray for people, rejoice with them, encourage them. Through Facebook, I have a dear circle of friends I’ve never met, but we do Bible study together. I’ll never completely quit.
But I see a lot of junk on my news feed as well. I see posts, articles and news that draw a cloud of negativity across my heart and mind.
I need a lot less of that influence in my life. Less screen time and more face time with the people I care about. More phone calls and handwritten notes. More crocheting and reading. More golf, bike riding and Jazzercise. Even more time for writing and blogging (Ha! Just kidding).
More real life.
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