Busyness or IDOLness?

Where does the time go? Or should I say what do we waste so much of our time on? It seems like forever since I have been able to just sit down and write.

As a Mom I have been busy of course. In all honesty though I have found that I have wasted idle time just sitting at the computer becoming consumed. I probably don't have to tell you what I am being consumed with. If you know me well enough you know it starts with an F and ends with a K.

The interesting thing is that although Facebook is a great tool for connecting with others. It can also become quite addicting. For me personally, I have the privilege and feel a calling to share my faith with 700+ people a day through Facebook. It is a great tool to do just that but I believe it can also become a tool used by the enemy.

Have you ever timed yourself or taken time to jot down in a journal just how much time you spend on your computer, your cellphone? I am no longer just talking about Facebook; Emails, Instant Messaging, Games, EBay, Craig's List, the list can go on and on. We have so much to choose from. Even the beloved Blog, which I am writing right now. It is wonderful to share intimate portraits and stories with so many others through technology. The question has to be raised though, have we begun to do it at the expense of those we love? Even the One who calls to be our first love? Have we pushed aside our spouses, children, friends? Have we resorted to sending an email rather than dropping by for some face to face quality time? Are we becoming just like so many youths in our society... unable to make eye contact or not fully listening because we are texting or checking emails via our computer or even more popular these days, our cell phone?

From my own admissions I hope you understand that I am sharing from my own personal struggle as well as my own awakening. Technology is a constant in our lives that updates everyday. It is a gift and it has undoubtedly many blessings attached to it but it can also become an idol. An idol that can keep our minds so busy we are unable to move and thus become full of idleness.

So what are some things we can do to keep the technology in our lives from consuming us? Not sure what all the ideas may be but I personally have a few things I have done to try and help keep my passions at bay.

First I have made some major commitments. When I awake the Lord is first. I wake up talking to God and thanking Him and then I spend time in His word. Taking at least a few minutes to listen and wait on the Lord before I even get out of bed. I have asked God to not even allow me to get on the computer before I spend time with Him first. This commitment was set when I first signed up for Facebook. It was obvious how time consuming it could be and I was hoping to cover myself before I became completely consumed in technology. Second I only check emails and connect to the Internet via the computer. I have reluctantly and grudgingly at times had to walk away from the flashy cellphones that offer everything under the sun. It seems you can do just about anything from your cell phone. How strange many people must think I am for only using my cellphone for the purpose of conversation. I will admit to texting on occasion when the opportunity arises, but that is as far as I will go.

So how do you stay on top of the technology busyness that causes idleness? How do you create a heart not consumed by these technology Idols? Or are you just now realizing you have become consumed? I would love to hear your feedback. Please share your ideas and concerns and lets get to the bottom of the pit of technology and help each other out. We will all be better in the end for the energy we share then the time we waste.