So, I read a lot of blogs. In fact, on any given day I may read anywhere from 10 to 60 blogs. I love reading peoples blogs I love hearing their thoughts, listening to what God is stirring up in them, learning from other peoples knowledge and experiences, etc. I read blogs because it helps me feel connected to the larger story of what’s going on in the world, and because it stretches me and teaches me things about the world and God that I may not have learned on my own. I read blogs to engage in community. But, I realized something recently about myself… I love reading blogs, and I love writing blogs and often the blogs I write are spurred on by the blogs I read, BUT, I don’t like to comment. I’m not a commenter. In fact I engage in the blog community in much the same way as I engage in the day-to-day community I am involved in. I love being a part of the community, I love hearing other people thoughts but I rarely share my own thoughts… Well, no actually I share my thoughts often and freely but ONLY on my own time in my own way in my own environment. I’m not a commenter but I am an active blogger. I have often in group settings shut up and shut down even when I do have something to say and only shared those thoughts later with a small group of friends or when the thoughts become so loud in my head that I can’t help but share them.

So, here’s my first thought… is that ok? Is that just how I’m “wired” and made? Or am I missing out on something by not commenting on the blogs I read or not engaging more actively in the larger communities I’m a part of? Are other people missing out on things that I could bring to the body of Christ by my lack of commenting?

And here’s the next though… Commenter’s seem to breed commenter’s. People who comment often on other blogs seem to get more comments on their blogs. People who engage more in the “real world” community and add their two cents to that community are better at getting other people to engage with them and give them their two cents as well. Commenting breeds commenting.

Those are my current rambling thoughts.

Rejoicing in the journey - Beth Stedman

Photograph by Beth Stedman