Well to be honest and upfront, my “June Fast” has been a total flop! My intention of observing a fast leading up to my Wedding Anniversary on June 26^th has not been what I envisioned. 😉 I would naturally label it a complete failure!

Interruptions came in the form of a trip to Tennessee, celebrating my mother-in-law’s 93rd birthday, sleepovers at my house with some of my grands, yummy ice cream parties, and many more treats which aided in pushing through this dry, dry summer heat!

Yet, lasting memories were made!

Times spent with grands will never be counted as a loss. And celebrating birthday parties of aged parents are a win as well.

What might seem to be a chore of never-ending instructions become exceeding great joy when put to practice…like when the two oldest grands shared a kid’s meal at a Fast-Food restaurant. Our two 8-year-olds decided to play “rock, paper, scissors” to see who would get the toy. Unfortunately, when the grandson came up short, he thought it best if I go up and ask for an additional toy. But my response was “we only bought one kids meal, because you said you were not hungry, so I will not go up and ask for a toy.” He then suggests another plan: let him and his cousin go up and explain their plight. I agree and commence with cleaning up the remains of our feast. After finishing the job, I walked to the front of the store to wait by the door. They were standing at the counter still waiting for someone to come to their aid. The grandson runs over asserting it will take me to get the help needed. But I confidently informed him to go back and wait for a worker to come to the register. A line is now forming behind them. Finally, a server comes to hear their dilemma. With a very serious tone she offers to investigate if any toys remain. On returning to the counter, she has in her hand the very same toy his cousin received, which of course, made his day! As she looks my way flashing a smile, I can’t help but grin ear to ear for how proud I am of them both!

Neither of those 8-year-olds feel comfortable doing what they did, but together makes a big difference.  

I find that having someone to partner with us, no matter if it is simply walking up to the counter of a fast-food restaurant provides the added courage to “step up” and do something hard or fearful!

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” Galatians 6:1-3, NLT

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24

“So encourage each other and build each other up…we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 15

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself…May God who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other…Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” Romans 15:2, 3a, 5, 7

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

Since month long fasts are becoming more difficult to observe, I partnered with my husband to come up with a better plan. It has been decided that once a week, preferably on Wednesdays beginning the week of July 7^th, will be my “fasting” day. I am truly excited and looking forward to gleaning much from these concentrated times in the Word. I pray for a greater level of intimacy with my Father through focused prayers. Remember: You are always welcome to partner with me in this great adventure!

Are you engaged in helping someone succeed? I pray you will partner up!