Joy of Missing Out

Since getting hacked and having my social media accounts disabled, the reality of online addiction has become clearer than ever. For a long time, social media was a means of discovery driven by an algorithm designed to show me the 'next best thing' to go after. Terrified of becoming complacent in my routine, I’d constantly look for the next restaurant, the next trip, or the next trend. But the underlying problem was a lack of satisfaction. I was always comparing my life to someone else's highlight reel, and that comparison completely robbed me of the opportunity to enjoy the present moment.

Overcoming this kind of addiction requires us to fully embrace our real lives. At its core, the urge to scroll is a dissatisfaction with reality and a craving for the fantasy of 'more.' To break it, we first have to stop comparing. Social media has given us unprecedented access to lifestyles and options we historically wouldn't even know existed. This constant access is a trap for coveting. The truth is, most of us are completely unaware of how incredibly fortunate we actually are. Once we stop watching the next man, we can finally appreciate what's right in front of us: a sound mind, an able body, loved ones, and our basic needs met. These common blessings, the ones we so easily take for granted, are actually reasons for extreme gratitude. When we lean into real gratitude, we break the hold that digital distractions have over us, allowing us to live each moment with reverence.

Our real life needs our full engagement. When we look at the responsibilities we have been called to steward, we simply cannot afford to waste time looking at the next man's life. Our health, our families, and our communities need us operating in a state of gratitude so they can get the absolute best of us. Let's find our strength in being faithful to what we already have. Embrace your reality, brothers, and enjoy 'missing out' on the rest.

Happy belated Father’s Day, brothers!