For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us. Titus 2:11-14a
I’ve posted this on Facebook in the past so forgive me if you’ve seen it before. But since December 2009, I’ve made it my custom not to get online at all on Christmas Day. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that, as useful as the internet can be, too much screen time is a problem. We all know it. But it’s a hard habit to break.
When I first came up with the idea, I wrote a poem which I have copied below. It’s a bit dated at this point. Does anyone use wii or myspace anymore?
In 15 years, some thing have changed, especially as far as technology is concerned. Texting is such a big thing now, bigger than it was in 2009. I do allow myself to text on Christmas to communicate with family and friends; it’s really no different than a phone call. But definitely no online shopping or scrolling social media are allowed!
As with any type of personal fast, we can set our own individual rules for a fast from screen time, but then we really need to stick to them unless it’s an emergency. If we’re going to fast, we should make a serious commitment to it; otherwise what’s the point?
It’s a rather refreshing exercise. Would you consider joining me this year on my Christmas Internet Hiatus?
“Internet Hiatus” – A Holiday Challenge Wrapped in Corny Rhyme
written December 25, 2009
Twas the afternoon of Christmas and all through the house
Not a computer was turned on, not even a mouse.
The stockings had been emptied of presents and toys
The kids were all napping, not making a noise
The satellite was out; there were no dvds
just a pile of new books on the floor next to me
No digital gadgets left under the tree
And yesterday Grandma had borrowed the wii
When deep in my soul there arose such a clatter
An overwhelming urge to check email, facebook, and weather
An instinct to click send/receive, shop online
See how many new twitter friends I could find.
When what to my wandering mind then appeared–
A faint twinge of conscience, a voice in my ear
suggesting I forgo internet the whole day,
try to enjoy Christmas the old-fashioned way.
If I could resist the urge to post my FB status
I could even read a book while on this internet hiatus
Perhaps call a friend and talk on the phone
No signing in, no logging out, no shopping amazon
I might just connect with a forgotten time,
have time to think, to write down this rhyme,
to talk with real people, take a walk down the lane.
Maybe without internet, I would NOT go insane.
But my vision was blurry, my limbs started to shake
I wondered, just how long does drug withdrawal take?
I couldn’t even look it up on wikipedia
And was too weak to walk to the encyclopedia
My stomach was queasy, I was paranoid and cross.
There was nothing to do. I was at a complete loss.
My head was aching, I needed a fix!
After all, everyone does it –- from city folk to country hicks.
Yet as I sat quietly sipping my eggnog
I thought, this is an experience worthy to blog
A day without email, youtube, or ebay
My own Walden Pond –- there’d be plenty to say!
As I rose from my chair a strange thrill overtook me
And I wondered, is this the way that life should be?
Could “chatting” be fun if done face to face?
Could I be bold and claim the outdoors as “myspace”?
As I ventured into the fresh air and sunshine,
I blinked for a moment and began to repine.
But I knew that tomorrow I would be back in touch.
It was only a few more hours without that digital crutch.
I knew that this challenge would help make me stronger
I could live without my computer for a day, or even longer!
I would stick to my guns, whether I had to beg, steal, or borrow
I was internet free! Well, at least til tomorrow.
Dear God, I thank You for the amazing blessings of modern technology. So much of it keeps us safe, productive, and entertained. But often I have wasted too much time on its less edifying aspects and for this I humbly ask Your forgiveness. Help me to make wise choices about how I spend my time, and may I always put people first according to the example of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.
by Christie Cole Atkins
Walk Worthy 