I did not fast today. Today I fought one heck of a cold that started last night. I could feel it hit me like the tide coming in, steadily stronger and stronger as the night wore on. This morning it was full blown ouch to my throat and a nasty cough.
What to do now?
To be honest I was very frustrated last night. I had set out to do something in earnest and I felt thwarted by a cold. I discussed it with my wife Tanjia and voices my hope that maybe I would feel better in the morning. This woman is wonderful. She is practical and very conscious of our abilities as humans. She told me flat out that I would not be fasting today because it would make me sicker for longer and that would negate what I was trying to do. She made me speechless, which is hard to do.
It made me think about how we humans can take something - especially religious - and change the purpose of it. Here I was considering fasting anyways when its purpose has and will always be to move forward. It's not a punishment, but more a time of growth and strengthening oneself. Look at athletes, they train and discipline themselves to do better, it's hard work but the reward is in the result.
Again I am face to face with the realization that the physical fast is a reminder of the spiritual. What does that mean? Well, I guess we'll find out more about that in the next 18 days. Let's see what happens tomorrow, but if I'm still sick I will look in to this question further.
Here's my picture:
This is my daughter who had to deal with a sick dad today. She has a wonderful spirit and sense of humor and she made my day better. This is for her.
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