Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives us a description of our entire lives with the preface of:
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
Everything that happens in this life happens in its season, never hidden from God, never beyond His control. While our lives seem to be spinning out of control, we can always be assured that whatever is happening in our lives is a season, a God-ordained season. We often do not understand, but the Lord can always see the forest for the trees:
except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. (v11b)
We also have responsibilities during these seasons:
I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. (v10)
It is of these responsibilities that I write today…
I have known for quite some time that the Lord was leading me down a path that I was rather resistant to…a path that I knew would lead me away from certain people, places, and things that I felt I could not do without. Initially, I did not want to take that path at all. Finally, after much prodding, I stepped one rather hesitant foot on the path and begged the Lord to let me stop there and rest awhile from the great effort it took just to take that one little step.
Little did I know He was using that time to prepare me for Emmy’s death. It was during this time that I wrote the now infamous article, “The Me-Time Myth.” Within a few days of writing that article, Emmy became sick with an illness that would eventually take her out of my arms and into the Lord’s…a time to mourn.
As we mourned, many mourned with us. But, now the Lord is prodding me to continue down the path I began at the end of 2007. He is asking that I refocus and recommit to walking down the path He has laid before me…a time to heal.
As I mentioned earlier, part of walking this path involves walking away from certain things. One of those things is the internet. Not the internet in its entirety, but the forums and other sites that consume much of my time…not because they mean to, but because I allow them to.
The computer has always been a pitfall for me. It is a place to which I escape, and it welcomes me with open arms. But, as I sit engaged in other people’s lives, I am disengaging from the lives that matter most…those the Lord has entrusted to me.
So, I am walking away from those things that I cannot seem to control…those things that seem to control me. I am putting the internet in its place…the place of a “tool” and not the place of a “crutch.” I am stepping back, so I can redirect, refocus, and rededicate my steps to the path the Lord has set me on. I am engaging in my children, my husband, my home, my Father. There are hearts to be healed, there are children to be raised, there is a home to keep…a time to plant.
Anonymous says
Spending too much time on the internet is so easy to do. I am still praying for you and proud of you for taking these painful steps. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are a blessing to me!>>In love,>Crystal S.
Tosha Tanquary says
Amy, > We are still praying for you DAILY!. > Makayla asks me if I hear how you are doing and wonders how Megan is getting along. Please let her know that she is missed! > I will miss reading your blog but I so understand what you mean… I always have the intentions of “just checking a few things” and then find that I have wasted an hour or more…that is exactly why I closed my blog. I loved writing and reading and it began to overtake my day. As soon as I got up, I wanted to get on my computer… in the middle of the day, whenever I could… before going to bed and it even kept me up LATE! Some times you just need to take a step back from everything.>Please keep in touch, dear friend!> Tosha Tanquary
Stephanie says
I went back and re-read the “Me time Myth”. Of course I laughed again, and cried again. I can’t say I’ve ever told the kids “she’s not here right now”, but I found that quite hilarious! >The Lord dealt with me on the computer issue early on. Not just me, but the kids too. I am so thankful that I have been taught to use it just for a “tool”. Though it has opened doors of communication for me with family members I haven’t seen or talked to in years, and probably still wouldnt if it werent for email. >>Once again though, I am touched by your strong faith and trust in the Lord. I hope that others around you learn to be encouraged by your story. I sent you a verse a few days back. I Peter 1:7 “The trials and challenges of your faith are much more precious than gold that perishes, EVEN WHEN TESTED BY FIRE, so if your faith remains strong after being much tested, it will bring praise and glory and honor. >I have seen your faith tested by fire. I was there and witnessed it first hand. I saw the hand of God in your life. >I hope you keep up with your blog. I have read it for as long as you have had it. It has always inspired me. Matter of fact, you are one of the biggest influences in my life and one of the biggest reasons why I started my own blog. >>Thank you for being a good witness, and a faithful servant. Not just you, your hubby too. We have been watching you guys for a long time, and at first we didnt understand. I think we got it now. And your hubby has a big brother who is a better man today because of the faith the 2 of you not only have, but LIVE. We love you.
lambechops says
Amy, >I know all too well how easy it is to allow the internet to take up all my time, time I should be spending with my children, keeping house, spending time in prayer and in the word of God. Your words insprire me greatly. I am always praying for you.>Karen
Anonymous says
I think there is so much wisdom in what you are saying.I will continue to pray for you. Emmy’s story touched my heart.
Inglesidemom says
I will miss your wisdom and your heart that you share so willingly through MOMYS and this blog. It is so important to follow the Lord’s direction as that is the only path that will lead to His blessing and His joy in our lives. I pray for you as you step in this new direction to be completely fulfilled and used by Him in a greater way than you can imagine.>>Blessings,>Jen
Jeana says
I just wanted to tell you how I’ve prayed for you and your family since Emmy’s death, and thought of you often. I followed the link to your other blog and read some of your previous entries. Emmy has a beautiful story and I feel privileged to have read it. I think many parents go years without really stopping to savor their children the way you did Emmy. It looks like she had an abundance of love from her family, and a mother who slowed down to treasure every moment of her life. It’s good that you are seeking to do the same with your family now. God bless you.
Anonymous says
Hi, I read this and had to send you a private message on the MOMYS site. I couldn’t find any email here. If you have already closed the book and moved on, I wish you well! That is my plan, too, though I never started a blog.>>Krista
God's Guitar Girl says
“Me Time Myth” is a wonderful blog, and this one is, too. You are the second person today whose blog I’ve read that is reclaiming their lives from the constant connection brought by the Internet.>>I hope you won’t completely abandon this page but will focus where God needs your energies (with the occasional tidbit here for those of us who keep up with you).>>Blessings…
helpmeetintraining says
I have also had to actively disengage myself from the internet. It is so easy to lose time on here! Now I only get online after the children are in bed and my work is done for the day.
Tanya says
I understand, blessings to you and praying for you often.
Brandy Lynn says
Amy, I am so thankful you were on MOMYS when you were, as I was able to “meet” you and grow in heart for you and your family. You are a sweet woman in whom I have never met, but I cherish your words, and your spirit! I have felt the pull of the Holy Spirit also- especially on the almost-addiction that I have to MOMYS in particular. I just want to be able to encourage others, and have found that I can on that site, but I must be careful to use it as a tool, and not to spend so much time there! Thank you for you sharing your heart, and being used as an ecouragement to me… I am so glad you are keeping your blog! I cannot say how much I have grown spritiually through your living out your life in word and in deed! >>As always, but hopefully not always the same, >Brandy Lynn