An insight into the Baha’i Fast, and “Dad of Doubles”
6 Mar
9th floor Harold Washington Library (CC / BY-NC-ND 2.0 by clarkmaxwell)
Yesterday, we had a small insight about the Baha’i Fast. As sundown approached, I noticed that I was really looking forward to the sun going down so I could eat! And in that moment, it occurred to me that what I should really be looking forward to with that level of anticipation was the sun coming up. After all, it was sunrise that marked the beginning of some 11 hours worth of renunciation, undertaken “out of love for Thee and for Thy good-pleasure.” That was the thing I ought to be looking forward to. If all I was looking forward to was getting to break the fast, then somehow it seemed to be more about me and my ability to eat food than about fasting for love of God.
That’s as deep as I’m going to get this morning. Junior youth group is heading out to undertake a service project this afternoon, and then we’re off to a home visit. Will post back with any reflections. In the meantime, enjoy a new blog from Chicago musician Bahhaj: Dad of Doubles: a father on the exquisite agony of raising twins. My most recent memory of Bahhaj is going to see a Michael Chabon reading on the top floor of Chicago’s Harold Washington Library with him and Carolyn. Somehow his style on Dad of Doubles, and his examination of fatherhood, reminds me of Chabon.
! just saw mr. chabon again – i was reflecting fondly on this visit to the library as well.
The Winter Garden is such a beautiful place, and it was such a good talk! Chabon spoke about the origins of the story, and his encounter with a small travel phrasebook called, “Say it in Yiddish!”
Thanks for commenting, Carolyn, and welcome home! I bet your husband is very happy that you’re back.