the fast.

The pastor encouraged the congregation to fast from something for 21 days. 

 I knew right away that I wanted to fast from mindless scrolling on Facebook.

As for fasting….God tells us not to talk about it.    Jesus was pretty clear about it in Matthew 6:6-18.

But here I go....I'm gonna tell you my experience even though I know better.   May God have mercy and hopefully use this story for good.  ;)

Facebook.  

It’s nearly impossible to get away from once you're connected   There are several Facebook groups that I am a part of, or am the administrator of... so unplugging entirely was out of the question.      

I made the decision to "fast" from the scrolling of all social media.   I removed the facebook app from my phone’s home page and removed Instagram entirely.   

I sign on to Facebook one time each day to catch up on the group posts.    

It’s been over a month and I’m still in the habit!    I’m thrilled to say that I spend less than a minute on Facebook each day, and I haven’t missed Instagram at all.  

yeah, imagine that! 

My deal with God was that if I felt like scrolling, I would take the time to pray for family and friends.  Turns out, I failed at that.  However I have freed up an additional 30 minutes each morning that I spend in Bible reading and study.   This has been illuminating, and I have a fresh desire to learn God's Word.

There is one downside to this fast that I didn't see coming. 
I found myself bored and lonely!   It's hard to be the only person in a house that's not looking at a screen.    I was craving conversation that didn't revolve around a meme or an online article. 
Now, more than ever, I realize that I am such a relational person.   I love quality time and quality conversations with my friends. 
I'm currently in the process of finding ways to fill my down time:  Daily walks, reading an actual book, a new jigsaw puzzle, resuming lunch dates with friends.

If anything, this past month has been an unexpected learning experience.  (I guess that's one of the benefits of a fast, eh?) 
I am being stretched- emotionally- as I am learning to evaluate and assess how I'm spending my time.
I am slowly, uncomfortably, figuring out how to be alone (with people present) and still content.
I am learning more about God, and putting more thought into how I can glorify Him in my daily habits. 
Relying on Him to always fulfill my needs.

Kicking the social media habit was huge, I suppose....But now.... taking my life back and making it meaningful....that is the real challenge!