Day 20: Breaking Bread

Today was the fast-breaking day for the 21 day fast. I know in my head, this was day 20, but I think I was counting the first day that we started as day 0....lol. It reminds me of "Office Space" when Michael says "I always do that. I always mess up some mundane detail". Except this was just a few meals, rather than $300,000.

So today we broke our fast at 6PM, and we decided to take the day to spend time with the kids before we broke it. They were fasting from sweets and I must say that they have done an exceptional job at keeping it up. They were even asking at school if some of the lunch food was made with sugar! I find this amazing, but then again, more and more I realize that kids really do emulate what they see at home. I mean, I hear the kids use quotes that I say all the time! It makes you really think about what you say and do around them. Regardless, I believe that the reason why they did so well with the fast is because they saw us sticking to it and making it top of mind everyday.

It was a great family experience to celebrate and appreciate the fast together today. We went to the movies and then went out to eat to break the fast as a family unit. At dinner, we asked the children what they leaned from the fast. I think it is so important to ask them questions like this because they realize that the fast wasn't just to give something up, but rather to learn more from God and get closer to Him.

Our 6-year-old didn't really know how to elaborate on her experiences, but our son who's 8 said that it taught him that he was able to do something that he thought was too hard to do. When we started the fast, he wanted to change his mind about what to give up, but we explained to him that it may not be easy, but that it's a sacrifice that we do to honor God for the sacrifice he gave us. He understood that concept and with his answer tonight, I believe he has an even deeper understanding of sacrifice and the power of free will.

For me, I have gained so many new revelations and new ways to approach situations in my life. I am truly excited about what God is doing in my life and I can't wait to continue exploring these areas so that I can continue to grow.

I now have a better perspective on how to discipline the children, while keeping an open relationship with them in which they feel comfortable talking to me about things that concern them.

I also have a much more holistic view on our finances that will allow me to keep a bird's eye view of our goals and fiscal responsibilities rather than being deep in the trenches of the bills themselves and each little expense.

In my marriage, I am becoming more understanding of who my spouse is and how I should communicate with him so that we can grow together as one unit rather than as individuals whose lives begin to separate.

At work, I have made immeasurable strides towards changing my entire experience with the work itself as well as my co-workers. I have renewed my motivation to work at 125% and have begun to hold tight to a more positive outlook to each new challenge. I am back to the employee that I have always been, and that feels great!

Lastly, as it relates to my faith, I have realized that I absolutely need to make the time in my schedule to honor God in whatever ways I can. More importantly, I have been reinforced in that me and my husband must take the time to read and pray together no matter how we feel. This is key for both of our spiritual walks and for us as a couple as well.

Wow- God has truly done a work in our lives! These 21 days have been challenging, energizing, enlightening, refreshing, and fulfilling. It's so awesome to really see how great God is in our every day life!