Facebook Free For Three

The challenge was never offered to me to quit facebook  but I did it and for three weeks at that...that's right...three whole weeks! I feel now is a good time to share some of the thought processes that went into that decision, some of the reactions and how I spent my time being facebook free.
The Decision
When I decided to take a 'longer than 24hrs' break from facebook it wasn't a decision I considered and deliberated on. As a matter of fact like nike...I just pretty much did it. I know many people in my network were left feeling puzzled, curious or just down right worried about the decision especially with how I made that step. Like I said before...I just did it. These days when people say they are not on facebook they are normally met with the 'which planet are you from look', so you can imagine the reactions I got.  This statement I recently heard aptly summarizes the overall reactions.

 'Whoever is not on facebook is sick and needs help.'

The Reactions
The fact that I would just quit facebook like that with no clear indication of a return and for so long led to stupor, cynicism, nonchalance, hysteria ? Hmm...all very good words but still very inept at capturing this very unexpected situation. I think the call from my mother one night was what really shocked me most. I answered the phone and was greeted by the incredulous question, 'you really come offa facebook?' Truth be told even I was surprised! It was however a long time coming. Having picked up titles in certain circles as 'facebook queen', 'facebook junkie' and even having written a poem describing facebook addiction made it clear that I was no ordinary facebook user. Like so many others out there, facebook had become a significant other in my life, and the time I spent with facebook, memorable and irretrievable. Still, some may have been wondering what was the big deal with facebook - joining and leaving, and still yet why it even is an issue worth writing about now?


The Mind of a facebook queen
 Unlike other facebook users I did not spend alot of time playing games, faasing or even using the IM feature, come to think of it I didn't take that many quizzes either. The thing that really allured me to facebook and forced me to spend a huge amount of time engaging in content was that little four word question...what's on your mind? (Maybe faasing would get second place) I know it may seem simple and trite, but to me that was the most awesomest (I know that's not a word...bear with me) question I could ever be asked in the comfort of my home infront of my computer, especially after a long day. So I would share everything, thoughts, articles, videos and not to mention...photos and I would look forward to it.


Facebook: the problem and the tool
In retrospect, I took a break from facebook because that is simply what I needed...a break, a change in perspective, something new. The problem was that I could start to see where,over time, facebook became a means in and of itself rather than a tool to aid in some grand purpose (for eg evangelizing, networking, maintaining relationships, etc).  Don't get me wrong here, I have on occasion used facebook for all these things. One of my dear friends in real life and on facebook was quick to point out that there were times that I used facebook as a meaningful tool in sharing with others and for this I give thanks that it was as it is written...

  "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28. 

Otherwise my facebook addiction would have been an utter disaster and total waste. As I was saying before, facebook, at times, became the controller rather than the thing to be controlled. I know that those people who had/have farms on farmville, can better understand what it means to have facebook dictate their allocation of time. In addition to these problems, I felt things were getting out of hand with the click of each new friend, which seemed so superficial as there would be endless numbers of persons who I know I have never and possibly would never have a meaningful coversation with or impact in any meaningful way. How do I reconcile all this? What am I saying here? Is there anything inherently wrong with this user-interface software called facebook? No. Is there something wrong with the amount of time, energy and passion I pour into facebook? Yes.


My Time Away: facebook free
In the three weeks that I was away from facebook (seems so long) many things happened. Among other things, I was able to look within myself, at my truest and deepest desires and re surrender them to God as an act of true obedience. It is something I still have to do on a daily basis, but I get by. I also was able to spend more time creating meaningful relationships in real life connecting more deeply with others at the heart level...this was definitely worth it, believe me. I was able to read and challenge my mind more and finally, I was able to regain some amount of life perspective by being still and silent in those times when I would have readily jumped on facebook as a pleasant distraction from problems. 


Really Finally...
So, I am back on facebook and having shared all of this, unfortunately, I do not have a happily ever after ending. I cannot promise that I will not revert to this way of life, I do not know for sure. What I do know and have is a stark determination to be obedient to God in everything...even in allowing him to use and control my facebook time. I would however challenge anybody who can relate to take up the challenge and share what happens...should be interesting. Peace.


~Live Life, Love God, One Encounter at a Time~