But the long hiatus has given me a chance to reflect on what it's like to be back on Facebook, and to talk about moving this blog in a new direction. (Does anyone know how to change the name of a blog when the previous title is outdated? Or should I just start a new one?)
Being back on Facebook feels like coming back to a positive community, although I do find myself falling into the same old patterns of thinking up status updates and wanting to check it constantly. I realize that my compulsion surrounding Facebook is more about me being compulsive than it is about Facebook per se, or any internet community for that matter. During Lent, my compulsive habits channeled themselves into other avenues such as email, blogging, and TV. It's good to know this about oneself, and to wonder what is going on that causes us to become obsessed by one thing or another.
I do currently feel a bit separated from some of the friends that I've made through Facebook, but I think this is a matter of reconnecting with intention. Friendship is, in great part, habit. However we order our days, the friends that fit into that routine become close for that time. In my own life I observe that if I change a habit, it does change the pattern around which my friendships are based. Of course, I'm lucky to have a few really good friends with whom I'm close no matter what is happening in my life or theirs. Those are people to be treasured!
So...now that I'm back to the normal compulsions, and now that April with its many distractions is finished, I will resume this blog.
I am currently helping to lead a small faith community here in Knoxville, which has formed around a desire for a meaningful prayer life, an open minded faith, and a place where people can truly come to worship as they are. We have been having weekly theological discussions around various issues, passages of the Bible, and 'burning questions' that some of our members have. I'll write about those, and what it's like to be part of a church community which looks so different from the traditional.
I hope you'll continue to read and comment!
I don't get real excited about religious holidays or Christmas or Easter or Lent or any of that. I don't really get it, never really have. I guess that's why I can't believe that people think that you shouldn't exert yourself on Sunday. Observances of "days" or "special times of the year" to me seem about what they seemed to Paul: subjection to compulsions and anxieties, instead of reliance on grace.
ReplyDeleteReligious holidays,to me, seem idolatrous in general. And, I think Lent is no exception. We need to get over the church calendar - I'm sick of trying to know what damn color is up. Paul hated "observances of days and times." But,we do have some holy freedom to guide us. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!" And, that goes for every day.
To hell with holy days.
Just something I was thinking about as I had about the most wonderful and holy Sunday I have had in years - and, I spent it with my wife digging and working and getting our garden prepared and planted. And,no, I didn't attend a worship service. I just relaxed and thanked God.