The A B C's of a Momentary Monk: F for Fasting

I love cookies. In fact I never met a cookie I did not like. I definitely have a sweet tooth, for chocolate big time.  So the thought of fasting is, well, a bit of a stretch for me. I like to spiritualize that discipline away saying I pray plenty so I do not need to fast. The purpose of fasting is to create space to pray. Well that is one reason to fast. But there are many types of fasts. Like the one that was forced on me today. Okay so, we have a septic system that had major difficulties about a month ago. It was a "situation" in which we ended up replacing the drain field. So much for a family vacation to Hawaii. It all went into, well--you know what! Not my idea of a great way to spend my hard earned on, if you know what I mean. Well today we had 10 cubic yards of top soil delivered to be spread over the newly graded back yard. The plan was to spread it out and throw down some seed in between raindrops and then power wash off the driveway and look forward to playing golf when the ark finds dry land again sometime this July. After about 10 wheel barrow loads my back went out. I went down to  my knees and could not stand up straight. I am sure the image of a 46 year old man crawling up to his front door and into the house must have been a funny sight to the eagle that fly's over our house, but I was hurting--big time!  It was a forced fast. A fast from my schedule, my to-do list, my ability to rely on myself to get it done. A fast is  fast and I am experiencing one. I certainly have had time to pray. It is ironic how our best laid plans are just that-ours. Gods sense of humor is always something different. I can move a little bit right now but not sit down as of yet.It might take a few more hours and Advil before I can get around more effectively!  I am typing this on my side. I think all of this writing is making me hungry. I think I will have my daughter bring me another cookie.

Comments

[Ann Jones]

Interesting... I had not thought of my cancer experience as a fast. But it has had that effect. Realigning priorities, cherishing simple things, sharpening my focus and relationship with Abba. The biggest fast is from being in control. I now realize I wasn't really in control, but my self talk assured me I was. Blessings Toby, I trust your fast ends soon and the lessons remain.