Recently at my church’s MOMS group someone was reading from Proverbs 31.
A common occurrence. One that can frequently cause cringing. Which I believe happens because we all think we’re supposed to be a replica of that woman. I could write an entire piece here on why I think that is not (entirely) true. And why I think it’s ok if we aren’t seeking wool and flax and planting a vineyard.
I’ll save that for another day, suffice it to say that the woman in Proverbs 31 was one example of godliness. Not every example.
So, back to the point. We were (rightly) exhorted through Proverbs 31:27 not to “eat the bread of idleness.” And I’ve heard women express their desire to be productive and busy at home coupled with their conviction that online time is not part of “looking well to the ways of their household.” I don’t want to discourage them from this conviction. If the Lord is showing this to them, it is probably a problem.
On the other hand, I have also sensed some shame or embarrassment among women who read blogs or are on facebook. Usually this is how the conversation goes:
Me: “Are you on facebook?”
other Mom : “Oh, yes, (initial excitement) it is so much fun to connect with people. I found my old friend from HS and have been able to chat with her! But I know it can be addicting (embarrassment sets in). I’m actually not on it very often. I try to limit my time.”
Or like this,
other Mom: “(whispering) I read your blog the other day.”
Me: “Oh, really? Thanks. I hope you enjoyed it.”
other Mom: “Yes, I really like the piece about ‘x’. (more expounding on finer points of agreement and disagreement, fruitful and thoughtful conversation ensues).
other Mom: “Have you ever read ‘blank person’s’ blog? It’s really good, also I like “x” blog.
Me: “No, I haven’t. Those sound great!”
other Mom: (embarrassed) Well, I try not to spend too much time doing that. I only check like… once a week or so… at the most.”
I share these conversations to make a point. Online time is not bad or good in and of itself. It can be bad or good. You might do your devotions and Bible-reading online. Or you might waste hours playing a video game.
I’m praying that this blog falls more in line with the former example. I want this to be a place to come and be refreshed by another Christian. The act of blogging is spiritually refreshing and beneficial for me. So I hope the act of reading it will be something similar for you.
I don’t want my readers to feel guilty for the 5-10 minutes they might spend here everyday or every couple days. I want it to be a place of receiving gracious words “like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body,” or where we “discover good” together by giving “thought to a matter.” (Proverbs 16:24 & 20)
But, lest I get too lofty, I also hope it is simply a breath of fresh air, perhaps a laugh, or a moment to pause.
Welcome to your guilt-free blog zone.
Well said, Abigail. You are a good writer, but more important than that, you’re ideas are worth writing! In our modern world of such easy communication with word processors, e-mail, facebook, you tube, web sites and blogs, good ideas written well are not that common.
Keep that brain working and that keyboard clicking!
Abi, you should check out my friend Jen’s blog: http://biggestblessings.blogspot.com/
She’s also a mother of 3. Their 3rd was just born a few weeks ago, so she hasn’t been able to post much recently, but I think you would really like to read what she has to say.
Thanks, looks good!
Hello, Abigail. I found your blog through The Responsible Puppet blog. I have enjoyed reading your posts.
Thanks for opening your blog to guests.
I agree that blogging can be very productive for processing ideas, thinking, writing, and just showing friendship:)