Dear Family,
As I am breaking a three day fast (8/9/18), I want to share what God has taught me. So many things!
#1. We don’t need that much food. It was a water fast, no food involved. I was able to continue doing my daily tasks a little slower, taking more breaks as I worked out, and my body still worked. I understand why the Israelites complained. Less food hurts. Less food can FEEL frustrating and like we aren’t taken care of. Oh goodness – this reminds me of our early marriage. I remember one road trip before kids. Bobby said, “You need to be nicer.” I said, “You need to feed me.” We both said I will not meet your needs until you meet mine. Sigh, I have choices. Usually, when I am hungry, that is all I can think about. I don’t care WHERE we eat; I want to shove anything in. It’s pretty ugly.
#2. I can choose my attitude. I’ll admit it; I like being the boss. I am highly organized. I know how to lead a team. I feel respected when people obey. If I am hungry and not eating is not my choice I can have a very bad attitude. Seriously. I choose to join a friend in her three days fast, and my attitude was OK. Good enough that no one even knew it was happening. I need to choose to have a good attitude even if my belly is rumbly.
#3. I’m noticing a huge disparity between what I want and need. I don’t need food that much at all. Want is a whole different thing. As God gives us what we need may we give praise and be thankful. I can choose to “Rejoice in the Lord Always.” (Phil 4:4) I can look to Him and focus on the positive. My outlook is my choice. I could have said in that car ride a long time ago, “I’m hungry, but I married you and promised I would love you – I’ll be nicer with my words.” And we all know that’s exactly what I did. (LOL)
#4. We are all pretty self-centered. I would have broken the fast if my husband had made dinner on the 7th and had us all sit down. I would have broken the fast if my friend had come over for a breakfast date. Neither happened, and that was OK. God wanted me to focus on Him and seek His face. I noticed my hunger, no one else knew, and that is OK.
#5. Even hard things are MUCH better with a friend. God put her in my life at just the right time. No one has ever fasted with me secretly before. I haven’t fasted that long in over 20 years. Have you ever noticed that it is more fun to clean your room or house when someone else is helping you? I know my daughter doesn’t mind the hard work of Marching band so much simply because of the camaraderie of teamwork. Every team does hard work to spur each other on. I am very glad for friends. In light of this – if you want me to fast with you – shoot me a message, and I will do this with you. We can encourage each other.
#6. Blessings are so sweet when I have been without them for a while. I just ate some leftovers. Nothing special. And yet, those were the best bites ever. God has made eating and other bodily functions enjoyable. Doesn’t it feel wonderful to make it to the toilet finally?! Oh dear. We experience such sweet relief when we can care for our bodies. Even joy at the finish (or in the middle) of a workout. When we take care of ourselves, we can rejoice that we are able. Reunion with a loved one, that first hug of meeting. How sweet it is to enjoy what God has given us. We can choose to take for granted our blessings – or we can choose to stop our restless fast-paced business and look into the eyes of those we love and say how appreciated they are.
#7. I noticed that I feel full easier. My stomach shrank, and that is a really good thing. I don’t want to pack it in. I want to take my time and focus on food less. I know that I can choose to fill my belly and stretch it out again. I do not want to do that. I want to follow true hunger and true full. I want to listen to my belly and God more than listening to my eyes.
On to the family!
Bobby did make a great dinner after they came home from their trip. I did enjoy being with him Sunday after church. I chose to socialize (since I have been a bit lonely) and enjoyed painting with him. I also enjoyed his company, and we had a great talk.
Adriel worked several long days this week to make up for her vacation later on in the week. Her boss said, “You have to earn those days.” I like it that Adriel didn’t simply loose working hours. She is a good worker, and they want her there.
Adriel was willing to hike over a hundred miles with her dad. WOW! I am not. Their trip did not go as long as anticipated; I am glad they had a couple of days together. The smoke was bad, a tent pole broke, and they ended up hiking out. It was OK. They are sad but fine. I am very glad they are safe.
Adriel is hungry for independence and willing to pay for it. Last year her only desire was to go to Hawaii with the marching band. She stipulated that she wouldn’t do marching band next year. She was willing to pay all she had. We didn’t make her pay all; we had her pay half. It was a good trip, and we were glad she would have an easy senior year. Then she heard the music. Some people called her . . “Mom, I want to do marching band again.” My response was, “Nooooooo.” “Mom, you have to support me.” Still, in shock, I quietly said, “Nooooooo.” So Adriel is doing marching band again. And this year she is prepared to pay for all of it. She is putting forth %75 of her paycheck every two weeks. Thank you to those who responded to her support letter. Our girl has always saved half of her paycheck, and now she’s putting most of it towards Marching band. This is how much she wants to participate! Wow, just, wow.
Seth is very happy with some late Birthday money. He was able to buy a new graphics card and is enjoying getting it set up. Bobby said he was never brave enough to reinstall operating systems. It’s pretty fun watching our little one turn out so smart and so specialized. Seth always did have a fascination with computers.
Also, it’s funny that I call him little. Seth slept in so late one day I said, “Either you are sick or growing,” as I put my hand on his forehead. He replied with his deep rumbly voice, “I’m not sick mom.” So I had him stand up to be measured. He grew 1.5” in 1.5 months. I wonder if the sun also helps kids grow.
Seth is also happy with the simple things in life. He enjoys pretzels and doesn’t mind going out to get blackberries. We enjoyed going to the Duvalls house, and I loved seeing Seth interact with the teens, a golf cart, and grandma’s motorized scooter.
I also loved playing Mancala with Sam who is now ten years old. He is the only person I have met who can beat me soundly. I love that game.
May you enjoy those you encounter and may your hearts be glad that you are a part of a free country and a beautiful heritage. Much love J Cristy
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