I’ve been an Amazon user since the mid-1990’s. I was an early adopter in the online shopping game and I loved the fun of looking at the books and other gadgets that appeared. So twenty plus years into buying on Amazon I have become a bit of an addict with the products and services available there.

The recent prime days had me looking at Amazon even more than usual to find the perfect deal on any item I thought was unique or interesting. I found a couple of cool items and I ordered in the frenzy that can be Amazon Prime Day.

The whole experience caused me to pause as I considered my shopping habits on Amazon. I do not go to amazon looking for a specific item as I mostly scroll through their recommendations and see what catches my interest. It’s obvious I need to change my spending and shopping habits.

So I am going on an Amazon fast for the next 30 days. I’m already one week into the fast it’s been a bit of a struggle to step away from shopping when I have a few minutes. I’ve deleted Amazon from my phone. I am a user of Amazon Video, unlimited kindle reads and amazon music so I will continue to use these services as they are already paid for and do not require any additional purchases. I’m not going to order anything for 30 days to see if I can break this habit and to become more mindful about my spending habits.

I originally thought I would ask others to order work related items for me off of Amazon, but I am too independent and impatient for that. Consequently I have ordered a set of books for the church and a HDMI cable. But that’s all so far. My husband has appreciated the reduction in amazon deliveries and the amount of boxes he has to cut down foe the recycling bin.

I’ll keep you posted on the fast. Do you have any habits which may be interfering with your spiritual life? I am realizing through this fast that I look to shopping to entertain my mind when I am a little bored. So I am trying to fill that space in my mind with reading and meditation. I use the CALM app to help with centering my mind on God and racing thoughts into a more peaceful place.

Prayer Prompt: What practices or habits do I have that may need to change to offer more space for holy moments in my life?