Sometimes you just need a break . . .

I made a decision today to take a break from Facebook.  I have been thinking about it for a while.  I thought I would be really sad about it and still conflicted about disabling my account, but I felt relief.  I LOVE Facebook.  I love reestablishing connections with people I have known well, following people daily that I keep in touch with sparsely, and making new connections with people I do not know very well.  I love the affirmation I have received from friends as I struggle with weight loss and parenting and life.  Lately, I've noticed a disconcerting trend.  It started about six months ago when the political race for president heated up.  There was (and still is) such contempt around politics.  I'm kind of an odd bird when it comes to politics.  I'm conservative on some issues and liberal on others.  Still others I walk down the middle of the road.  But, when the posts and comments I see are so hateful, I feel angry and hateful too and want to lash out at friends.  But, I don't.  I see religion rear it's ugly head as I watch people attempt to manipulate their "friends" into following their own rules sometimes leaving Jesus and his teachings completely out of the picture.  This makes me angry.  And sad.  Where does Jesus say, "Manipulate those people to follow me?"  I can disagree with these friends, but there is no discussion.  Only contempt.  I really don't need that contempt.  There are counters to the political haters and the religious haters, but their voices are soft in comparison.  So, in the interest of my attempts to be healthy -- mentally, spiritually, and physically -- I'm taking a break.  Maybe I will write more here.