I have to say, it is one of the most powerful and memorable books I've ever read. It's a memoire a woman wrote of her childhood. Her parents were very intelligent people who could have been successful people if it weren't for some major flaws in their character and a very screwed up world view. As I read the book, I was so appalled by so many of the things the parents did and their neglect of their children. However, the Holy Spirit began to convict me that the same selfishness in these parents was in me. I began to see that although my selfishness wasn't as blatantly ugly as the parents in the book, mine was still affecting my relationships with my kids. I was letting my wants to come before my kids' needs at times. And I felt the most obvious form was in my time spent on the internet and especially reading people's blogs.So, I decided to cut it off for 40 days. I just completed a 40 day fast from the internet and it was so refreshing!! When I commited to do it, I was worried that it was going to be terribly difficult. But the first day of my fast, I found that it was a relief to know it wasn't even an option. (I did check my e-mail...but even that I tried to limit). There were times when I wanted to check something on line or blog about something but when I would remember I was fasting it was such a good exercise to realize that it can always wait and nothing was that important that it needed to be done right when I wanted to.
So, that's my explanation as to why I've neglected this blog for so long. It was a purposeful neglect and I'm thankful that I feel that my time of fasting has made the feeling of "need" in blogging and surfing go away.
So, thank you Lord for once again pointing out an ugly quality in me...selfishness...when I didn't see it. You are the most kind and loving Parent to me. May I learn to become more like You in my parenting.
-Bek
5 comments:
i have missed you, but i understand the need to keep it in check. it can take up so much time, and i can get irritated when they interrupt. :(
I'm on the brink of doing the same thing. I really need a media fast, and the kids do too. You're not alone in being a "selfish" parent. But you're a good parent, too, for wanting to change that.
Awesome! I did the same thing months ago - even closed out my facebook account for good. I get continually "poo-pooed" for doing so, but it's been the best thing I've done for my spiritual/mental health and the health of my family for a long, long time. And I think others' judgments come from a lurking prick of conviction....
Way to go after what God is calling you to do! It's a wonderful testimony.
You have a beautiful family and a truly beautiful heart. I've stumbled across your blog a couple of times through a friend's and each time I've sensed such a genuine, honest, and real heart. In my experience, that's so rare these days.
Thanks for sharing -
erin
I am always amazed at how you can see the spiritual in the every day. Thanks for the great post.
I have definitely missed your blog, Rebekah, but I LOVE your idea! Thanks for sharing - I could def use a fast from a lot of things!!
See you in a couple weeks!!!
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