Wow--how to start? As I sit here, at 11:35 PM, my mind is wandering in over a thousand different directions. I'm about to embark on a personal journey that is so drastic from my current daily lifestyle that I don't know if, or how, I'll succeed. Can I really give up social media for a full 40 days, limit my internet time to only two non-work hours per day, and not eat until Easter? The resounding answer--YES! With God (and a little help from friends), ANYTHING is possible.
For starters--let me explain a little bit about myself. I am a self-declared internet addict. I spend several hours each day browsing Facebook, cruising the net for hot travel deals, and keeping up to date on current events. I also spend countless hours each week playing online poker, watching my favorite shows on Hulu and Netflix, and chatting with friends via Skype. Selfishly, I spend far more time doing those things than I do focusing on my relationship with Christ.
As I was praying a few weeks ago, I felt the Holy Spirit nudge at me. Never before had I felt convicted by Him for simply spending time on the net instead of in His word. After some more nudging, I finally decided that I'd had enough. I made the commitment to heed the Spirit's advice and make a commitment to spending more time with Him.
This came at a perfect time--just in time for Lent 2013. As I dipped deeper into my relationship with God, I also came to the realization that it wasn't just the internet that was separating Him from me. It was (and is) several things in my life. At that point I decided to combine my fast from Facebook with a fast from food and embark on what I'm calling a 40 Day "spiritual reset".
Each day I plan to replace as much of the time that I would have spent Facebooking and surfing with in-depth Bible study, reflection, worship, and prayer. I will be using this blog as a vehicle to express my challenges (and triumphs) throughout. I hope that you will comment on my posts-with either your own personal experiences or with encouragement for me.
T-minus three minutes and counting until midnight on Ash Wednesday.
Let the reset begin--now!
Wayne Clarke
For starters--let me explain a little bit about myself. I am a self-declared internet addict. I spend several hours each day browsing Facebook, cruising the net for hot travel deals, and keeping up to date on current events. I also spend countless hours each week playing online poker, watching my favorite shows on Hulu and Netflix, and chatting with friends via Skype. Selfishly, I spend far more time doing those things than I do focusing on my relationship with Christ.
As I was praying a few weeks ago, I felt the Holy Spirit nudge at me. Never before had I felt convicted by Him for simply spending time on the net instead of in His word. After some more nudging, I finally decided that I'd had enough. I made the commitment to heed the Spirit's advice and make a commitment to spending more time with Him.
This came at a perfect time--just in time for Lent 2013. As I dipped deeper into my relationship with God, I also came to the realization that it wasn't just the internet that was separating Him from me. It was (and is) several things in my life. At that point I decided to combine my fast from Facebook with a fast from food and embark on what I'm calling a 40 Day "spiritual reset".
Each day I plan to replace as much of the time that I would have spent Facebooking and surfing with in-depth Bible study, reflection, worship, and prayer. I will be using this blog as a vehicle to express my challenges (and triumphs) throughout. I hope that you will comment on my posts-with either your own personal experiences or with encouragement for me.
T-minus three minutes and counting until midnight on Ash Wednesday.
Let the reset begin--now!
Wayne Clarke
Wayne, this is awesome! I wish you well in your quest - it is extremely brave!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking and praying for you! This is a huge thing to give up for Lent and it is an incredible journey!! Proud of you Wayne! :)
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