Archive for the ‘spirituality’ tag
Caving In: hunger, Ramadan, and staying focused on what’s important.
This is the first Ramadan that I have spent living in the Middle East, in the UAE. Prior to now, to me, Ramadan was a vague word, a concept I knew nothing about. Now, my friends are fasting and I’m joining in. My initial efforts were half-hearted because I didn’t know why people fasted, and didn’t know the spiritual meaning of the daily fast. But now I do, and it is a remarkable thing.
The fist thing I noticed was seeing signs all over saying “Ramadan Kareem.” What? I was confused. So I asked my buddy, born and raised Muslim, what it meant. He told me that it indicates generosity. During Ramadan, we fast during the day to symbolize that we are giving up something in our life in order to help others. Then at night, when the daily fast is broken, we eat a light meal together with some friends (an Iftar) and discuss how we can help the less fortunate.
What is pretty amazing to someone who grew up on the other side of the planet, in a completely different culture, is that the entire country fasts during the day during Ramadan. In fact, if you are an apparently healthy adult and are seen eating or drinking during the day, someone could complain and call the police. I haven’t heard of the consequences of such a thing, but it is clearly the respectful and courteous thing to do to not eat or drink during the day in front of others, even if you happen to be a Christian or an atheist or follow some other religion.
During Christmas time, a common sermon I’ve heard over and over is how we all need to get the spirit back into Christmas, and it’s got me thinking about the spirit of Ramadan. It isn’t so much about the fast, but that we focus on doing something for the less fortunate (not just thinking about it, doing it). And during the Iftars, it isn’t just about a pleasant social time with friends, it’s a time to pool our ideas and generate an action plan for giving…. a plan that we WILL carry out.
By this self-imposed hunger, we are reminded about how we need to help those with less than us. We get determined not to cave in to the temptations of the physical world and instead strive to live a spiritual life of good deeds. It focuses our thoughts on what’s important.
The Love Dare Day #4: Thoughtful
During the day, ask how he or she is doing. Ask them if there is anything you could do for them.
Psalm 139: 17-18 – How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered. I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand. And when I wake up, you are still with me.
Resources:
The Love Dare, Fireproof, The Love Dare for Couples Workbooks
The Love Dare Day #1: Patience
Resolve to say nothing negative about your spouse today.
Ephesians 4:2 – Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Resources:
The Love Dare, Fireproof, The Love Dare for Couples Workbooks