Why I Don't Post Daily

There are a lot of excuses I could give for why I don't write on here daily. Most of them, you could predict. But besides being a busy stay-at-home mom and student, the main reason I don't (and quite frankly, can't) post every day is because I don't want to. I love blogging--really I do. It makes me happy in a way only one who enjoys writing can understand. But I do not like being so connected all the time. (Remember that post I shared a month or two ago with some random things about me? Getting off the grid, or at least wanting to, was on there.)

Let's get one thing straight: Technology is great. I'm so thankful I can be in touch with my parents and brothers and husband and in-laws throughout the days and weeks. But technology is also numbing. You don't have to agree with me, and sometimes I feel like a hypocrite arguing this particular sentiment, but I usually don't feel...what's the word...happy, after being on the computer for hours. When I go on Pinterest and somehow end up staying there for three hours, I feel a little bit sick to my stomach when I think of all the time I wasted pinning amazing ideas to make my home and family and life better. Because pinning isn't doing (though the English language would technically disagree with me). Going on Facebook is another big time waster that I am completely guilty of. Do I really need to read about every detail of everyone's life from their status updates? Nope. I don't. I didn't do it when I was a young teenager, and I don't think I was any less happy back then. Same with email (ha ha, you're thinking, who uses email still?). I hardly go on mine except to erase the dozens of spam messages I receive, but I don't need to waste so much time going through junk.

How is that a waste of time--connecting with family and friends? you may be wondering. Well, everything in moderation, and like any addiction, somehow Facebook and Pinterest and Instagram and Twitter (for some people) have the ability to draw people in and hold their attention for much longer than they intended.

Why is everyone so interested and--dare I say--obsessed with other people's lives? Isn't comparison and judgement what we as Christians are supposed to avoid? We should be seeking after things that are VIRTUOUS, LOVELY, OF GOOD REPORT, and PRAISEWORTHY. We should be working a little harder to grow closer to Christ. We should have sympathy and charity in our hearts. We should be loving those around us to the very best of our abilities.

Boredom is simply no excuse. There are a million other BETTER or BEST things you can choose to do than go on the internet. Read a book. Read your scriptures. Paint. Learn to paint. Visit a friend. Have a friend over. Make cookies for someone. Make a special meal for your husband. Learn to cook. Go grocery shopping. Do laundry. Clean the house/apartment. Play a game with your husband, roommates, children. Write a letter to someone. Do a random act of kindness. Write in your journal. Watch a good movie. Listen to Christmas music. Decorate your house/apartment. Call a friend. Look for coupons and use them. Gather recipes. Make a list. Exercise. Try something new. Do a craft. Learn a craft. Share a craft. Take some photos of your family. Reorganize a desk or room. Learn something new!

That was like 30 things right there off the top of my head. Whatever you choose to do, do it with all your heart. Don't be half-hearted. Be confident and give your best effort!

Most of all, I do not want to be so connected or attached to the Internet because it greatly takes away from the time I have to spend loving and enjoying and teaching my daughter. I can tell you, taking breaks are good and necessary. But there is a significant difference between checking a message and surfing the web for hours. My daughter is little and so precious to me. I may not always be patient with her, but I always want to make sure I enjoy her littleness before it's gone. This is the only time in all eternity that I will have to enjoy it. Some moms can't wait for their kids to grow up. Sometimes I can't wait until Tenley is old enough to play with and bring places and do all kinds of things. But more than that, I want to "let [her] be little" while she has the chance.

The Internet is not always a bad thing. But too much of a good thing is not so good. And as Christians, we should always be choosing not just better things, but the BEST things.

I encourage you to go do some good in the world today! (Or, if it's too late, tomorrow). To steal a line from a favorite Church hymn, "Wake up and doing something more!" You'll be happier for it, I know it. Unplug for a few hours and connect to what really matters--real individuals.

What are some other ways we can do some good in the world?
How and when do you like to unplug from the cyber world?