Fasting

Today for church Eric got to bring a basket with his favorite things. He brought my Harry Potter book, which he claims as his own, I'm still trying to figure out how it ever changed ownership! He also included the movie Robots, not his first choice, but Justin wasn't going to let him bring any other movie to church since they weren't appropriate. A pack of starbursts and a picture of himself with a Hawaiian background, lei and flower rounded out the basket. I was surprised that he hadn't added his favorite toy or a hockey puck.

When church was over he told me that he shared all his starbursts and didn't eat one of them. I told him that was very nice. He wanted a different treat when we got home, but he had to eat lunch first. While eating lunch Eric told me it was fast Sunday. I was completely oblivious to that fact since I have to eat, so I said, "You're right." He then asked me about fasting. We had kind of talked about it before, but I didn't really know how much he would understand and I didn't want to get into too much detail. So we kind of went over the basics again.

K: Fasting is not eating for two meals.

E: So can I fast for dinner, I didn't eat breakfast?

K: Well, you are supposed to do two meals in a row and you should have a reason for fasting.

E: Like what?

K: You want to fast so that you can help someone. You say a prayer about what you are fasting for and then you think about it while you are fasting.

E: So can I fast tomorrow?

K: What would you fast for?

E: I would fast for the people in Chile and Haiti.

I was so stunned that Eric even knew about Chile and Haiti that I told him we would talk about it later. He said that those people need help and he would fast for them to get better and find homes. I must be to wrapped up in my own life, I can't seem to think much past the bulge in my belly or when my belly button will return!

In young women's I received a handout and I don't recall which one of my brilliant teachers gave it to me, but I still remember it vividly:

"Fasting without prayer is like eating a Tootsie without the pop!"

It was a tootsie pop that they replaced with a styrofoam ball (I still have it in a box of my stuff somewhere in the garage). It wouldn't be very satisfying! I kept thinking about that while I was trying to give Eric the best possible answer. Its times like this that I wish nursery gave more detailed lessons... who needs Play doh and snack time anyway!