Today my family has had the opportunity to fast with a purpose. My husband and I sat down with our kids and explained what was going on. We told them about the fast. We asked them to decide how long they wanted to fast. I want to relate what I saw happen to my twelve and ten year old. I'll start with my twelve year old.
She struggled with this a bit. She kept coming to me to express how hard it was for her to fast. She understood why, but felt hungry and was getting a headache. I kept encouraging her to pray, read scriptures about fasting and write in her journal. This went on for a few hours. I finally had to get a little stern with her TO GO SPEND SOME QUITE TIME to gain the answer she wanted. After about an hour she came out of her room and simply said 'I'm ready to end my fast.' I said okay and she went to get something to eat. My son saw her and found me to ask are we done.
I gave him the same instructions has his sister. I told him to pray, read the scriptures and write in his journal, then come tell me his thoughts. He spent an hour or so in his room. When he came to me, there was this quite sweet spirit about him. I asked what he thought. He told me what fasting meant. He learned that we fast to show sacrifice the way Christ did for us. He said he prayed and blessed Grandpa, whom the fast was for. I felt the spirit and I know he did too, because I could see the little teary gleam in his eyes. I asked how he felt and he said good. We talked about how we felt the spirit. I then asked if he was going to end his fast. He said no I want to fast a little longer. He walked out of the room with a strong countenance about him.
I have to admit I am feeling a little proud over my children. They took things they were taught, applied them and made a choice. I think they both tried their best for who they are right now. Would I have liked to be in control of all their thoughts,feels and choices. Well,yes, I think all mothers would, but I understand that at certain times and ages, they need to put things to the test to make it meaningful to them.
It makes me wonder if this is how our Heavenly Father and Jesus must feel. Seeing all of us learn and choose. What love they must feel when we succeed. What heartache they must feel when fail. This is what I feel with my children. This whole worldly journey constantly amazes me. I am so grateful to teach my children. I'm grateful to see how they use their knowledge. I rejoice when they succeed and cry when they don't. I will always love them, just as our Savior loves us.
