I know it's a bit existential of me to blog about blogging, but it's irresistible. This blogging phenomenon fascinates me so that I can't seem to go too long without psycho-analyzing its mechanics, and its ramifications.
In many ways, this blog has helped me become more transparent in real life. It's no small thing to publish a picture of the floor of your closet for all of Bloggityville to see. Yet in other ways, I find I'm becoming more private. I'm becoming more aware that once I have shared something--online or in person--it's out there. It cannot be taken back. Blogging has made me think about how my words and action impact the privacy of others, particularly my family.
Every now and then I cringe when I read the words that mothers share about their children. IT CAN'T BE TAKEN BACK. I think of this often when I choose what I will publish. As my children's chief advocate, I think of myself as the guardian of their privacy until they are older enough to decide which of the finer details of their lives should be up for public discussion. My two older boys spend time in a computer lab at school and have been known to log on to their Mom's blog there (Hi, boys! I love you! Now get back to work!) Before I hit publish, I always stop and think if my words would embarrass them as they sit in their computer labs with their friends next to them. If I ever do over-step my bounds (which I probably have and probably will again), I have a bit of "safety net" in place by never using their real names or faces on this blog.
Having said all of this, I don't mean to indicate that it's wrong to blog about serious issues regarding our children. It's a case-by-case situation. Sometimes, sharing a hurdle might bring encouragement to other parents or a lesson about God's provision. Sometimes, our kids' privacy should trump that greater good. It's the responsibility of a thinking parent to use common sense in this regard and to consider with prayer and restraint what is and is not appropriate.
And that, my friends, is my unsolicited advice for the day. Blog on.
