Today was a long day. Church was good but after 2 services, my caffeine withdrawal made my temples feel like my head was about to explode. When I got home, I tried to take a nap in order to sleep the pain away and to escape my cravings for some of Gran's "mouth-watering" banana pudding. Or my mother's collard greens with ham hocks. Or the left over fried chicken. (I'm sorry...I digress.) But there is no sleeping in a house with a 2, 3 and 9 year old.
I started to turn to my wife for comfort and support. But did I tell you that she is doing the fast with me? Simply put, Mama wasn’t happy today. To escape my cravings and the lingering temptations of Christmas and New Year’s dinner, I went to a place that always makes me happy --- Barnes and Nobles. Big mistake. As soon as I walked in the door, I ran into the sweetest aroma I have ever experienced --- Starbucks coffee and chocolate chip cookies. OK...I’m being dramatic. I know the bible says that we should not covet another man’s wife. But does that mean Starbucks and sweets as well?
I sound like a baby, you say. You are right. I’m being a baby. I admit it. Fasting is not a punishment; it’s a privilege. Where is my bible? I need more pray. Tomorrow will be a better day.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18) Obviously Matthew never had a Starbucks addiction.
Goals for Today
- Pick 2 areas to focus on for my fast: DONE
- Read Daily Bible Verse for January 3rd (my goal for 2010 is to read the entire bible): DONE
- Spend 30 minutes in prayer and meditation: DONE
- Completed Day 2 of Daniel Fast: DONE
- Write blog: DONE
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