This has been on my heart lately. I realize even as I write that I may be a contributor to the noise. Nonetheless, I wanted to share this struggle because it too is a part of my homemaking journey.
When I began my homemaking
journey (which also simultaneously became my blogging journey) there were few
resources available. Now, just a few years later, there appears to be an
abundance of voices contributing to the subject. So much so that at times I
walk away from the pages discouraged and unsure as to what my roles are and
how I ought to perform them. Am I fulfilling my duties of embracing myself as I am, remaining and growing in Christ, performing my homemaking role, and
making my blog and business “successful?” With so many voices on what to be or
do it can become confusing, overwhelming and just noise to my own journey.
Connecting with
others who share a common faith, interests, and lifestyle can be comforting,
encouraging and joyful. I can, however, become so connected to the lives of
others that I unintentionally disconnect from my own. How much time is spent
immersed in the world of Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs or other online
media? If a timer could record each moment that the eyes meet the screens, then
the time accrued would be revealing of true priority placement. All that time
spent there is less time spent here. Here- the home and family within which I
am called to be present. It’s unwise for me to be so fixated on the journey of
others that I lose sight of my own.
Ultimately, I’ve
come to see three truths regarding the connectivity provided by blogs, vlogs,
and other forms of social media. First, the purpose of blogs, vlogs, and other
forms of social media are for inspiration not obligation. The content within
these mediums are intended to serve as inspiration. The reader is never
intended to feel obligated to agree or abide by any material presented. One
should always think critically through and question that which is consumed.
Second, true authority and guidance can only come from God. Connecting with
other believers is a form of fellowship, but the use of the “follow” phraseology
on all of the social media forms can create ambiguity. This is absolute truth: fellowship with friends, and follow Jesus.
I have to stop for a moment and consider: “Have
I opened blog pages more than I have turned Bible pages?” Even if the blog,
status, or tweet is Christian-oriented, my primary source of spiritual
encouragement and guidance must come from God and His Word. A message on God’s
Word in whatever form cannot substitute the Bible itself. The final truth I have come to understand is that we are all on a journey. If I fixate on that of
another, then I miss out on my own. This journey is walked with steady steps.
There might be less than desirable lags of the trip. Those moments of struggle are part of the journey and serve the purpose of providing opportunities to
learn and grow.
I have previously been cautious about sharing the less than put
together side of myself or the roles I fulfill in life. Yet, I have grown
conflicted about this partial admittance. Have I truthfully conveyed my real
homemaking journey? This post is one step
in that direction. I’m a blogger and a reader of blogs, and yet have found them
to be confusingly encouraging and exhausting. I have tripped numerous times
while watching the journey of others’ instead of my own. I have questioned if I
really have anything new to contribute or am I simply another voice amongst the
others. Am I the obstacle in someone else’s journey that causes her to stumble
in realizing and embracing her own walk? Whether blogger or blog reader, I’m
there with you. The three statements mentioned above may not be appropriate for a generalized application, but for me they have spoken truth.
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