No Food After Dinner

There was a Pray, Fast, Worship and Eat Event organized by our church. We were to fast after dinner and pray. Then everyone would gather at 6 pm the following day for a night of worship, followed by an international potluck dinner. I had never fasted for 24 hours before, and the idea of this event was quite interesting, so I signed up.

During the week, my routine consists of waking up, getting ready, driving to work, preparing for the day’s tasks. Then I start to see patients. Around 8-8:30 am, I drink my cold chocolate milk. Around 10:30-11 am, I eat my Greek yogurt, in between seeing patients. My peanut butter and jelly half sandwich is usually eaten anywhere between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. In other words, I eat every couple of hours.

I wasn’t sure if I could hold the fast for a whole day. Thankfully it was Friday night into Saturday, and I didn’t have to work. I was determined to give fasting a try.

Sleeping through the night without any food was not a problem. I don’t eat after I brush my teeth at night. Morning came. I was keeping myself busy. I made sure that the kids had breakfast. I took out the garbage, did laundry, had a personal virtual meeting, then spent almost 4 hours in a swim meet. Throughout the day, my stomach intermittently growled, but I never had the starving feeling. I didn’t feel like I was going to pass out. Before I knew it, it was 4:30 pm. I ordered a Chinese dish as our potluck contribution.

The worship night started off with a one-hour long of songs and praises. I stood the whole time. I thought I would pass out, but surprisingly, I felt alright. The moment finally came – time to break the fast! There was a great variety of food, different cuisines, all delicious. We sat with some of our friends, and had a great time eating and chatting.

Fasting for 24 hours was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I thought that it was possible for me to do it. I was determined to do my best, even though this was my first time. I focused on ways to keep to my word, and in the end, I did it.