I haven’t posted for a while, and I’ve been feeling all week like I should get a post up on the blog. But the pressure I’ve felt to post something has actually got me thinking about why I even blog or post on social media in the first place. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the internet has been an incredible blessing in my life in more ways than I can count, but this week I’ve been feeling the need to evaluate why I’m involved in social media in particular. I really want to make sure my posts are truly fueled by the right internal motivation and intention.
For instance, one reason I haven’t posted in a while is because I’ve been busy with some home renovations. I’m a huge fan of all things DIY, and over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been re-doing my master bathroom. I ripped out the old coved linoleum baseboards, laid and grouted a new vinyl tile floor, repainted the walls, and (my favorite part) antiqued the vanity with some Amy Howard chalk paint. When my husband commented on how hard I’ve been working, I smiled at him and said this was really just playtime for me. I absolutely love transforming something old into something new and beautiful, so it hasn’t even felt like work at all.
So this week I thought that maybe I could post a before and after picture of my new bathroom just for fun. But then I couldn’t help asking myself if that’s really the best use of my blog. What would be my motivation behind a post like that? Would it be so others would applaud me and tell me how talented and amazing and awesome I am? I definitely don’t want self-promotion to be my purpose. But I also know a huge reason I’ve even been able to redo the bathroom is because of all the bloggers who’ve written tutorials on how to lay a tile floor or the best way to use chalk paint or how to apply the different waxes to the wood. The problem is, I wasn’t planning on posting a tutorial—so again I had to ask myself, why even post about it at all?? Can you see the conflict I’ve been struggling with?? I’ve had the same feelings every time I’ve thought about putting something on Facebook or Instagram. Am I just doing it to get attention? Am I hoping for a whole bunch of complimentary comments as some sort of digital pat on the back? And perhaps even more important, do I subconsciously feed on that praise as a way to feel more worthy or valuable or successful as a person? If so, I think my motivation is really in the wrong place. I want my identity to be founded in Christ, not how many likes I have on a Facebook post.
At this point, I’m still not sure what to do. The truth is, I love Facebook and Instagram and blogging as a way for all of us to celebrate what’s going on in each other’s lives. I love hearing about weddings, babies being born, and exciting life events. I love reading articles others share that make me think. I love the inspirational memes and quotes that remind me of Christ and bring a ray of sunshine into my heart. And that’s the main reason I continue to participate in social media. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world when I post. I don’t just want to put something out there to get attention or build myself up in others’ eyes. I want someone’s life to be better because of what they read from me. And yes, I also want to use it as a way to celebrate some wonderful life moments with others (the birth of my first grandbaby in a month definitely being one of those things!).
So I think I’ll go ahead and post my before and after pictures as a way to saying to anyone who reads this, “You can do it too!” Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” and I really believe that includes a master bath remodel. I’ll admit that the Lord has been all over this particular project—providing promptings and guidance on where to look for help and inspiration and giving me strength when I was feeling burnt out. You could say He and I have done this project together, so I guess that alone is worth blogging about. Who knew that’s where I’d end up when I started writing this post. 🙂
