I’ve learned a lot about myself from these fasts. I’m noticing a similarity between week one with the clothing fast and this week. I tend to hit a point where I think I’m going to break. For the clothing fast it was the third day, for the food fast it was the second day. In those moments, I contemplate why I am doing this crazy thing. I really don’t doubt if I can do it, but if I want to do it. However, just like the first week, I continue to do the food fast. I was talking with a fellow staff member, Pastor Scott Collins, and he described this as “the wall”. Once you hit it, you have to decide if you’re going to climb over it or let it stop you. I have found that once I make it over the wall that I seem to embrace the challenge better. I reach a place of acceptance. Instead of letting the wall stop me, I am choosing to climb over it and move forward. Thanks Pastor Scott for the visual!
Here are a few other thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head:
- Today I had to pack a lunch for my staff meeting. Instead of using Ziplock bags like I did on Sunday, I thought I would do something that would create a little less waste. Instead of bagging my lunch and then throwing the bags away I used storage containers from home. One of Jen’s friends did this during the waste fast (a month of going green and doing things that are better for the environment). While I am not doing a waste fast, I thought it would be a great element to tie into my take-along meal experiences.
- I have had a couple different discussions on what the Israelites must have felt like when they could only eat manna and quail. They complained so easily about the food that God provided. I pray that my attitude will be better than the Israelites who even when they were taken care of and provided for still complained about their options. This is a lesson in contentment I don’t want to fail to learn.
- I was going to tell you about how cool I am for only having two sodas a day (on any given day depending on stress I can have 4-5). However, I broke that 2 soda trend today when I had a third. I blame stress… sorry! I am drinking more water though. This is improvement for me.
- Now I might have reached acceptance today, but let me tell you, I miss my comfort foods. It’s been a stressful day for me and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by some circumstances in my life. If this day would have happened last week, I would have contemplated my life over Girl Scout cookies, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or at least a package of fruit snacks… No such luck for me this week. Munching on wheat bread just doesn’t have the same level of comfort for my soul.
Overall, I’m learning lessons in contentment, in comfort and in perseverance. I love the dialogue that has come from these fasts. I’ve been so blessed by the conversations I’ve shared. Many of you have been so supportive and encouraging. I’ve grown a lot through these experiences and I’ve enjoyed having you along for the journey. I’m almost nearing the halfway point of this 5/7 Fast and I’m praying that each day and each week my eyes are opened to new things. I’m still holding on to the edge of my seat because I know that God’s not done with me yet!
Amy Scott's Thoughts 