Fasting from Facebook

I have been thinking about what I could fast from during the season of Lent. While our particular religious tribe doesn't officially celebrate Lent, I thought it would be a great time to make some margin in my life.

I decided to go without Facebook for 40 days. Some of my friends have already reacted with gasps and disbelief. They wonder how I could go without updating my status, posting a picture, or sharing a link to spark some conversation. That's the point. I needed to give up something that would actually be a sacrifice.

Now, granted, going without Facebook is not a sacrifice in one sense, but it will be a distinct change for me. Facebook is a part of the rhythm of my life. I do birthday greetings every day, post interesting articles I come across, and post pictures from my personal life and ministry.

Part of the reason I am giving up Facebook is to create some margin in my life. While I don't sit and spend hours on Facebook, I do check it on my phone and sometimes when I am on my laptop I end up getting sucked into spending more time than I want or should spend browsing the News Feed and people's profiles.

So...enjoy the next six weeks, Facebook. I will miss you. However, you'll still hear from me indirectly. MyFitnessPal will still let you know when I exercise or lose some weight. I am sure a few people will tag me or post on my wall. But as for me? I will leave your icon quietly sitting on my iPhone and the bookmark tab in Safari will remain unclicked. I am sure I will miss you, but I will enjoy the moments of peace that your absence from my life will offer.

shine!
Jason