Seeking joy through habits

A week ago I wrote a post about disengaging with some of the social media that dominates so many lives. The decision came after several days of gentle prodding by the Spirit. It has proven to be extremely hard to stay completely away. I still find myself going to pull it up on the browser more frequently than I care to admit.

What I have found, is the time I do spend on there has been more intentional. Typically I'll use it to check in on two different groups that encourage either bible study or my crochet project for the year. The time spent there has been significantly less. The second mindless scrolling starts, the page gets closed and attention turned to other things.

Start of 2020 temperature blanket

As each day comes, I find the internal challenge to open the page less often and spend even less time on it. Especially when the time spent hinders growth. Growth in any area.

I found myself this morning listening to the words being spoken during the sermon. The words both affirmed the steps I'd taken to focus less on the things of this world and focusing instead on God. At the same time, my heart was challenged and convicted.

These feelings are lingering still. Hours after hearing the sermon. I can feel something stirring deep within. A movement coming on that I cant quite pinpoint yet. The challenge is straightforward, am I forming my habits? Or are my habits forming me? A call to intentional living. A challenge that led me to revamping my storage for my bible study material for easier access.

This feeling within is uncomfortable, for sure. Past experience tells me that the most beautiful transitions happen after the most discomfort. While I pray, journal and seek the meaning behind this stirring I will continue on this journey that I've taken on.

Minimizing the time spent on social media a little more each day and instead using the time to create. Using the urge to open the browser as incentive to turn to open the bible instead. Being more intentional connection with my favorite humans. Seeking each day for more authentic connection. More on that later, I'm sure.

For now, my focus will remain on creating healthier habits. Studying scripture each day through reading and writing. Praying each day, usually by writing them out to help keep my focus. Choosing to listen to worship music instead of turning on Netflix. Opening my bible or a book rather than my phone. Interacting with those in my home rather than scrolling through nothing. Cooking at home over ordering out. Crochet one of several projects that I have going on over randomly searching for empty entertainment. The list could go on.

One thing I'm sure is that this struggle within will coincide with my word of the year.