This year for Lent I decided to give something up that really takes up a lot of my time and energy: Facebook and Instagram. Initially I wasn't sure if I could do it- sounds absurd when I say it out loud- but as the time drew nearer to Ash Wednesday I almost craved the fast. Social media has been a way that I stay connected to loved ones far. I love looking at pictures and reading the stories of my dear friends. I love that it keeps a running memory of all the things I have posted so I can go back and reflect. I have used social media as a way of advocating for change and for creating groups that allow for shared experiences- a place to ask questions and a place to share wisdom. Over the years I found this overflow of information to be sacred and needed- and despite my husband's laughs I have consistently defended social media. Recently I have turned off notifications for a variety of individuals, groups, and events. I suddenly realized I couldn't handle it all anymore. Social media is always a touch a way with my phone in hand. Bored in a checkout line: check facebook. Bored at soccer practice: check facebook. See something amazing that my kids do- or the perfect reflection of light in the desert: take a picture, perfect the words, and post. These little things mean my eyes are constantly gazing at a little screen accessible to me 24 hours a day. I tried the timing restrictions and my phone would remind me screen time was over for the day. Already? How can it be?
As we are training up our now 9 and 10 year old boys and 7 year old daughter we are confronted more than ever before with our phone usage. We plead with them to read books, play outside, create art- and then they look up at us and see us gazing into our phones- from crossword puzzles to reading news articles, to social media- there's always a reason to look at the screen. It seems so much more rewarding than the world around us. The brightly lit screen can help us with our jobs, with our parenting, with knowing what's happening in the world. The screen provides endless blogs with tips on our travels. I can obsess over just about anything and it's always in my back pocket. It's the perfect device for all my inquiries. And believe me, I have a lot of inquiries: What's the weather this week? I wonder who would become the royal King or Queen of England after Prince Charles? What's the best vegan food in Carlsbad? I wonder what colleges have programs for kids with disabilities? Where's the cheapest place to get a camp stove? I wonder when spring try outs for soccer are? Does Lily have a performance this week? I should check the school app.... Literally my questions. never. end.
Lent is a reminder of our depravity. It's a reminder to turn to the Cross of Jesus because of his great sacrifice. Lenten sacrifices allow for reflection and allow for changes in our ways of living to turn towards holiness.
One of things that I do value about social media outlets is the space for reflection. I can post pictures and write stories about the ordinary and beautiful things around me. I love this dearly. With the fast I have been reading a lenten devotional that has been very life giving- but I still want to reflect on life and share the joys around me... so I might return to some blogging.
If you're thinking of a lenten sacrifice but wonder if it's too late to start- it's not! While we walk through Lent we are made keenly aware of our humanity- the ways we fall short- it's a time of reflection, a time for reading, a time for seeking, and a time for praying.
To end, I'll share part of the Lent Project from Biola that I have been reading daily.
Yet today is not just about our mortality but it is a day of repentance – Grant these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence…. God we have not loved you with our whole heart, mind and strength… We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves… We have been deaf to your call to serve… We have grieved your Holy Spirit… We confess our past unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives… We confess our self-indulgent appetites and ways… We confess our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts… We confess our negligence in prayer and worship, our failure to commend the faith that is in us, our blindness to human need and suffering, our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us, our….
Restore us, good Lord… Accomplish in us the work of your salvation.. Accept our repentance, O Lord.
Amen.
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