by Megan Cynaumon
Dear Avery,
Happy Easter!! Every year, I give something up for Lent. For me, it’s a time of reflection. It’s a time of letting something go and showing yourself that God is truly the center of your life. This year, I gave up Facebook. Funny to think that it’s a “sacrifice”, but it’s a HUGE part of our lives. There are some amazing things that it does for us like organizing events to spend time with people or sharing funny pictures or giving support during hard times. It can bring joy, don’t get me wrong! But, it also can bring envy and even anger. 
For me, seeing my friends and family happy through pictures and statues…makes me happy too. I love seeing you grow up through pictures…and hearing what your Mom has to say about her life. I love seeing the cool things your Uncle Ryan posts in NY, and your Uncle Drew posts back home. It keeps us “in the know” without needing to call each other.
The flip side? I have a hard time reading ignorant statements ( in my opinion) from people I know, it causes automatic judgement. And vice versa, I’m sure people with opposite view than me feel the same. I truly love debate from different stand points, it makes me see things differently. I just can’t stand uneducated posts or rants for no reason. Let’s keep the social space light-hearted and peaceful, please? Pretty please?
Ahh, envy. She is an interesting emotion. I experience envy when someone is on vacation ( standard, right?!), traveling the world, having unique adventures, meeting new people, going to fun events, all of my friend’s cute and new outfits, and even having children. Babies are everywhere, and they make me smile. But I don’t have kids yet, so I’m not apart of “that world”, I can’t relate (as much) to my friends and family with children. That can be hard for me…BUT, my life is just as I like it to be…so envy isn’t going to win that battle!! š
Here’s what I’ve learned being away from Facebook for 40 days:
- I’ve had more friends collectively say, “I’ve missed you” . That’s kind of neat. š
- I don’t NEED to be on my phone all the time.
- Conversations are a bit richer in person because you haven’t kept up with the posts from your friends. (There’s more to talk about)
- I’ve taken more time to read about God, have had AMAZING (in-person) conversations about great He is, and have spent time in silence.Ā <<<(What?!? Silence is harder than it sounds, but is so wonderful)
- Facebook really IS a great tool for communication, but the right kind of communication. Share happy, insightful, uplifting, and encouraging posts.
- I don’t need to buy new outfits or look different every time I see my friends in preparation for picture taking!<< Gah! That one is refreshing.
Avery, I hope you take the time, at least once a year and reflect on the things you have been blessed with. Because if we don’t, then we will never truly know the worth of the things we have. We are a blessed group of people, let’s focus on all the great things God has provided us. And yes, God blessed us with Facebook, although some people may feel otherwise. š
With Love,
Aunt Megs
With Love, Aunt Megs 