Why Your Sabbath Feels Broken: A Recovering Perfectionist’s Guide to Real Rest

ByJames

5. The “FOMO Scroll”

Here’s my embarrassing truth: I used to spend Sabbaths doomscrolling “perfect Christian family” posts. Look at the Johnsons’ matching linen outfits! Why don’t we have a prayer labyrinth in our backyard? Cue shame spirals.

Then I read about medieval monks who practiced “custody of the eyes”—guarding their gaze to protect their hearts. So I created a “Sabbath tech covenant”:

  • No social media (I deleted apps until Monday)
  • Kindle-only for fiction (no news or self-help)
  • Text autoreply: “Thanks for reaching out! I’m resting today per Exodus 20:8-11. Will respond tomorrow with fresh energy!”

The first few weeks felt like withdrawal. Now? I’ve rediscovered books, cloud-gazing, and my husband’s terrible dad jokes.

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