Whew. This was a tough Fast for me. Each year Baha'is Fast by eating breakfast before sunrise and dinner after sunset from March 2 until March 20. We celebrate the arrival of spring as our New Year, called Naw Ruz from sunset on March 20 until sunset on March 21.
I started out very sick in the beginning the Fast and that kind of set me up for feeling off balance with the spiritual renewal I was hoping for. I wasn't able to consistently Fast until this last week. It was one of the first Fast's that I've done as a mother. In the past I was either pregnant or nursing.
It's amazing how critical keeping my blood sugar normal really is while trying to be the best mama I can be. This was a tough week of ups and downs for Iz and I had to really dig deep for my patience and gentleness.
When we started the Fast she asked me several times if I like to Fast. I thought it was an interesting question. Hmmm...do I like the Fast? I never thought about it quite like that. Growing up as a Baha'i, the Fast was just something we do because we love God and God has asked us to abstain from food and drink for this relatively short period of time. I decided that I shouldn't try to answer that because I really don't want to put it to her in those terms. I love God and I love fulfilling his requests because I trust that there is great wisdom in being self-disciplined to accomplish the Fast.
So, I am very excited for Naw Ruz and to have the luxery of eating and drinking once again, but I do feel sad that this year I wasn't able to fully engage in the spiritual connection that I have had in the past.
How 'bout you, mamas? Any insights? I would love to hear about renewing experiences with the Fast or how you explain it to your wee ones.
