Mobile Catholics

The new year brings all sorts of resolutions.  Some short lived, some survive the whole year.  Last year I gave up trying to have a New Year’s resolution, and focused instead on having a theme for the year.  That worked much better, and I’m proud to report that I was more successful in keeping with my “theme” than I ever have been with a resolution.

An interesting article on the Breaking Free Blog speaks about the New York Times “Unplugged Challenge.”  This is an interesting topic, especially for Catholics.  Some of the best people I know are incredibly guilty of things like a quick check of the e-mail after entering church (before Mass starts), texting while having a conversation with someone, or overuse of sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

So how do we benefit from the technology, but keep our self-respect and not become guilty of wasting precious time?  I would argue that our social networks and easy technology have the potential to be a great blessing: keeping up with family and friends, educating us, even saving time.

But these time savers and relationship enhancing tools can also become an utter waste of time.  It’s important to know and recognize the way to do it.  Perhaps the popular “media fast” is the way to go.  Rediscover your hobby, your love of reading actual books, take a walk and leave the electronics at home.  Or do we need to police ourselves with productivity software such as LeechBlock to ensure that we pace ourselves and make the most of every minute?

I believe consumption of media is a lot like consumption of food.  A little bit of everything is good for you.   Don’t overdo it.