“When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” -Seneca
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” -Robert Byrne
Internet "surfing." Web "browsing." We might as well call it "digital drifting." So much of today's online activity is characterized by its apparent lack of purpose. So much of the "time-saving" technology at our fingertips becomes a jumbled array of "time-killers" instead.
We float from news article to news article nodding sagely at incredible amounts of information that rarely focuses our minds. We bounce from blog to blog, laugh at a few friends' posts and consider those relationships "well-maintained." We poke a few Facebook friends, upload a few pictures, and never quite get around to baking that plate of cookies for the lonely neighbor next door, but we will! Right after we watch that next movie preview on Youtube...
In a way we're playing with fire. The internet's a wonderful thing when it keeps us out of the DMV, Post Office and Bank line. It's a magical tool when we need to write sincere letters to friends, download a spiritually motivating speech, conduct research for that next term paper, or purchase edifying music at the click of a button.
And it's poison to our souls when it keeps us from living in the moment, accomplishing real-world goals (Do you really "water" your virtual plants in that online video game? How long did you spend deciding on your blog's new wallpaper?), and giving others our undivided attention.
Life is meant to be lived with purpose. We are taught to be "anxiously engaged in" good causes with those around us, not numbly disengaged with trivialities from afar. (D&C 58:27)
So what will we do with the time we are given today? Whose lives will we bless? What burdens will we lighten? Whatever we do, may it be said that we did it "on purpose."
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” -Robert Byrne
Internet "surfing." Web "browsing." We might as well call it "digital drifting." So much of today's online activity is characterized by its apparent lack of purpose. So much of the "time-saving" technology at our fingertips becomes a jumbled array of "time-killers" instead.
We float from news article to news article nodding sagely at incredible amounts of information that rarely focuses our minds. We bounce from blog to blog, laugh at a few friends' posts and consider those relationships "well-maintained." We poke a few Facebook friends, upload a few pictures, and never quite get around to baking that plate of cookies for the lonely neighbor next door, but we will! Right after we watch that next movie preview on Youtube...
In a way we're playing with fire. The internet's a wonderful thing when it keeps us out of the DMV, Post Office and Bank line. It's a magical tool when we need to write sincere letters to friends, download a spiritually motivating speech, conduct research for that next term paper, or purchase edifying music at the click of a button.
And it's poison to our souls when it keeps us from living in the moment, accomplishing real-world goals (Do you really "water" your virtual plants in that online video game? How long did you spend deciding on your blog's new wallpaper?), and giving others our undivided attention.
Life is meant to be lived with purpose. We are taught to be "anxiously engaged in" good causes with those around us, not numbly disengaged with trivialities from afar. (D&C 58:27)
So what will we do with the time we are given today? Whose lives will we bless? What burdens will we lighten? Whatever we do, may it be said that we did it "on purpose."
No comments:
Post a Comment