Blogging--A New Spiritual Discipline?

I joined the blogging world about six months ago or so...thanks to (we'll call him) Curt. Every time I saw Curt he was saying things like, "I was on Scot's blog this morning and came across..." Every day he was on this blog. He never said, "I was reading the paper this morning and ..." It was always this JesusCreed blog. And it wasn't just INFO. Curt was learning new things about walking in the way of Jesus and this blog was shaping how and what he believed and how he lived it out. It was ODD, but I figured I'd check it out. There began my daily addiction to Scot's blog and my introduction into the blogging world.

Then, about 2 months ago I knew I was going to have some xtra time on my hands, so I thought I'd get out of the "viewing" mode of the blogging world and step into the "writing" mode. I'll tell you this--it's a lot easier to read!

Here's what I've been struck with by this new phenomenon--blogging is very much a spiritual discipline...or at least it can be for some...and it has been for me. And it's good for me, because it forces me to think more critically (both when I read other blogs and when I create for this one). It creates a space and an atmosphere for me to put some thoughts, musings, and prayers to words. In a busy world where I tend to rush from one thing to the next, it FORCES me to slow down a bit and to interact with God.

But, there's more. It's closest relative is probably "journaling." I think they both offer many of the same benefits, but blogging offers something that journaling typically does not--the engagement and influence of community. When I journal, it is pretty much just between God and I (unless it just happens to be lying open and Christine stumbles upon it). I think there is something good in that uniqueness. However, with blogging, 'others' read and respond. They challenge me and push me and encourage me. They are 'with' me in this way. And, possibly, they are also encouraged and pushed by the things God is doing in my own life.

I expect to see someone publishing a NEW take on the spiritual disciplines and to incorporate blogging into the scheme. Maybe it is just a new phenomenon that will come and go. That's fine. While it's here, though, I'll be engaging in this new discipline. Will you?

Much of this post flows out of a conversation with my good buddy Micah...who is also a blogging buddy...you can find his blog listed to the right under Friends.