Oftentimes, we feel inspired to try something new.  I’m all about that, especially when it comes to food.  I have been vegetarian, paleo, fasted from dawn till dusk with Muslim friends in college, enjoyed the Mediterranean diet, completed a 30 Days to Healthy Living program that included protein shakes, and given up chocolate and coffee for Lent.  But when it came to fasting based on the Orthodox calendar, I called my friend Laura, panicking.

“But you’ve done so many things before!” she said.

“Yeah, but I made them up.  They were something I chose to do.  This requires obedience to authority.”  Basically, this is not about me.

It’s bigger than me.  It’s trusting God to get me through it.

Laura told me that God loves me.  My priest told me fasting is feasting for the soul (he’s doing the black fast, meaning he hasn’t eaten anything since Sunday.  His soul is rejoicing).  I am actually doing pretty well, considering I’ve never been vegan before (just didn’t sound fun for me to try.  It sounded awful, actually.  I could eat a steak every day, no problem).  This summer, when a group sent me vegan recipes to try, I laughed them off.  Didn’t they know I come from Eastern Europe?  Well, apparently some Eastern Europeans are also vegan for appropriate parts of the church calendar.  Which means people who love meat and even salo can fast, with God’s help. And with planning, although it’s easy to put that off because who wants to plan to suffer?  But having some snacks in your purse is key, as Laura suggested. I bought some oat bars, seaweed, and dried mangoes.  On the first day, I ate the entire bag of mangoes because I was freaking out.  I can’t have chicken!  Or a taco salad!  Or my favorite yogurt!  At least I have the mangoes, man.

Yes, I am fasting with specific intentions in mind.  These prayers fill me with hope and keeps me fasting.  Not just for general restoration, but for God to reveal the (many) areas for growth and for help in becoming the kind of person God created me to be.  And for boldness to speak out with faith and hope!

From St. Ephrem, a prayer to read during Lent–

O Lord and Master of my Life, give me not a spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, love of power, and useless chatter.  Rather, accord to me Your servant a spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love.  Yes, Lord and King, grant that I may  see my own faults and not condemn my brother, for blessed are You forever and ever. Amen.