Unplugged

Since I started this blog some months ago, I've taken great joy in writing posts and receiving comments.  I've always loved writing, but I've never written for a non-academic audience before.  Rather, I have written in journal and even started writing a "book" but having a blog is the first time I've "published" non-academic work.  However, I think the greatest joy that has come from writing my own blog is discovering other blogs to read.  The Catholic community is very strong on the internet, which gives me great hope and comfort, since I do not have a physically present Catholic community here.  Yes, I belong to a parish, have taken part in its events and even teach religious education on Sundays, however, I haven't made friends or close acquantances that I can discuss the faith AND daily life with.  Since we are moving again this summer, it will probably be a while before I can be a part of that community in person. 

That said, I've been spending an awful lot of time online recently, and while I tried to justify it with, "But I'm spending my time reading about God and other Catholic blogs...", I feel like my own faith life has started to suffer.  My husband and I had a conversation about it yesterday, and I was surprised to find that he felt the same way as I did, only about television instead of the internet.  So we've decided to cancel our cable and internet so we can put our priorities back in place.  Since we planned to give up television and internet during Lent, we're approaching this as time to prepare for Lent.  Yes, I realize that it is a little silly since Lent itself is preparation for Easter and in essence we will be preparing to prepare. 

I also feel that this is an answer to my prayers about finances.  A few months ago I would have been embarrassed to have to cancel internet and cable because we could no longer afford it, but God has helped us to see that giving up internet and cable is empowering, and that the economic advantage is only a bonus.  Well, I should really use the terms "giving up" because we aren't shunning it entirely (at least not until Lent begins), but simply aren't paying for it anymore.  I'll still go online at Starbucks or at David's work, but since I won't be able to sit in front of the internet for hours in my own home, I hope that my time online will be more productive and focused (and that my time at home will be the same).  I'll still take time to write in my blog, and read others', because it brings me happiness and fulfillment.  I just won't waste so much time on fruitless online endeavers (*cough* Facebook *cough*).