F.O.M.O.

Fear Of Missing Out or FOMO is "a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent". This social angst is characterized by "a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing". While others defined FOMO as a fear of regret, which may lead to a compulsive concern that one might miss an opportunity for social interaction, a novel experience, profitable investment or other satisfying event.

With the development of technology, people's social and communicative experiences have been expanded from face-to-face to online. On one hand, modern technologies (i.e., mobile phones, smartphones) and social networking services (i.e., Facebook, Twitter) provide a unique opportunity for people to be socially engaged with a reduced "cost of admission". FOMO could result from a variety of social activities in which one is absent, such as a conversation, a TV show, a wedding, a party, or a delicious restaurant in town. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_missing_out

I suffered from this many years ago, primarily in my professional life. I was somewhat addicted to CNN because I wanted to stay current on the news. I rarely slept past sunrise, because I didn’t want the world going on without me.

My current situation, managing health issues, has forced me to “be still.” I now understand that I don’t have to go to everything, be involved in everything or see everything unfold…and that life is OK.

GOD does not need me to monitor the universe. He just needs me to be obedient.

All I can do is think about how much of life we are actually missing out on by FOMO. 

The irony is that, while we want to do what others are doing, most want to do what you are doing.

The Bible explains:

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV):  13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV):  2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1 Peter 4:18-19 (NIV):  18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Matthew 7:21(NKJV):  21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Memorable Quotes:

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." -- C.S. Lewis

“Focus on what you are doing instead of what you are not.”

“You can do anything, but not everything.”

“For everything you have missed you have gained something better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“How much I missed because I was afraid of missing it.” – Paul Coehlo  

“We're so caught up in trying to do everything experience all the essential things not miss out on anything important…we can’t read all the good books, watch all the good films, go to all the best cities in the world, try all the best restaurants, meet all the great people. Life is better when we don’t try to do everything. Learn to enjoy the slice of life you experience. And life turns out to be wonderful.” -  Leo Babatua

We should have a FOMO on Heaven. If we spend so much time worrying about what the world says and not on what God says, then we are going to miss eternity.