FOMO

Well, it’s Black Friday. Perhaps you are reading this after having gotten up at 4am and braved the crowds to get the best deals. Or you have been searching online for the best price on that new gadget. However we go about Christmas shopping (or shopping in general), we tend to have a fear of missing out (FOMO). We want to make sure we are getting the best deal. What if store B has a better gadget than store A?

I must confess this time of year I have a problem with the fear of missing out and it doesn’t  necessarily have anything to do with shopping. With so many Christmas activities available to go to, I want to do them all so I don’t miss out on fun. I stress myself out with trying to do it all and I can’t enjoy myself. I want to go to every holiday activity that friends are going to, even if it means packing too much into a day or weekend.

Does God want us to fill out schedules this holiday season with every activity under the sun so we don’t feel left out, like we are missing out on something? Is there a way to be content with the activities we do participate in, while not longing for the ones we don’t? Will our friends and family love us any less if we don’t attend each event?

“Mortals make elaborate plans, but GOD has the last word. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; GOD probes for what is good.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

God wants us to slow down and focus on Him. When we are so busy doing all the things, we actually miss out on the most important thing of all, time with God. If I am so afraid of missing out on things going on around me,  than I should be most afraid of missing out on God.

How do we put aside this fear of missing out on things in this world? By practicing gratitude and spending time with the One who matters most, God.

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving so gratitude is on our hearts and minds. Let’s not let the busyness of the Christmas season cause us to forget gratitude. Let’s make sure our hectic schedules are full of things that fill us up and draw us closer to God. Let’s do the life giving activities we want to participate in, not activities that just make us busy.
I don’t want to miss out or be left behind in any activity, but most of all, I don’t want to miss out on a living, vibrant relationship with God. How will you be spending your time this Christmas season?