Empty... but Full

As part of learning more about the blessings of this life, and establishing a practice of introspection and prayer, our church here in San Diego designed a fast that could be used for this purpose. Through this exercise in self-deprivation, many people in the bible have asked for help during times of grief, confusion, depression, etc. It is thought that fasting can bring you closer to God.

When I first heard about it, I basically thought to myself, "there's no flippin' way I could go without food for an entire day -- much less several days!!" After all, I've been fortunate enough to have NEVER gone to bed hungry... and I can't imagine doing so ON PURPOSE!

I've never fasted in my entire life.

Over the course of the lesson in church that day,  I started to think - "Wait a minute. I could fast if I truly wanted to... I could do ANYTHING if I truly wanted to." After all, I thought, it would just be a lesson in self-discipline, a subject I harp on daily to Cameron.

If I can expect sacrifice and self-discipline from Cameron, then by golly I should be able to expect it from myself. 

Since this was basically a "juice" fast, I purchased a reconditioned juicer on Amazon (score! It was 1/3 of the price of new) and stocked up on various veggies to juice. I also "prepared" for the fast by eating only veggies and small amounts of salmon and chicken for three days. It wasn't that hard, actually, but I found that I started being a lot more thankful for the veggies and the chicken than I normally would have been. I kept thinking that shortly I would be only restricted to juice.

I think that was the first small, still voice that I heard.... a voice that kept talking to me during the entire experience. It started with an overwhelming feeling of thanksgiving.... for food, for nature, for the ability to feed my children and knowing how blessed I was to never have to choose whether to feed them or myself due to lack of food.

Moving into the actual fast was a little difficult. Eric arrived to surprise the entire family with an impromptu visit and I caught a cold. But I persevered... and moved on to a few days on just juice.

Other things that small, still voice said to be will remain private. Suffice it to say, that I came away from this experience... full.

Here's some of what I learned, if you're interested...

First, it's so very important never to forget the people, especially children, on this Earth who go to bed most nights hungry. World Vision (www.worldvision.org) is an amazing organization that can help you to be a part of the solution.

Second, God has never been -- and will never be -- about making you comfortable.

Third, through asking for His help, you can accomplish things you never though you could. Even though I went with Eric and a good friend to "lunch" on the second day of the fast, I WAS able to resist the pizza on the table. I was OK with just green tea. 

Even though I had been convinced I wouldn't be able to last on the fast, I did. And I believe that I am richer for the experience.

Finally, brussel sprouts are no good juiced. Yechk.