Sunday, July 7, 2013

Lessons Learned

Fast Sundays have never been my favorite.
I get headaches really easily and that is only spurred on by the lack of food and water.
Our whole lives we've been told that we need to fast with a purpose.
However, there have been very few occasions throughout my life that fell around a Fast Sunday or that I felt like would really benefit from a special fast.
Because of that mentality, Fast Sundays are a struggle.

Over the last few months there have been two instances that have completely changed my attitude toward fasting.
My testimony has grown exponentially.

First there was Danny.
Remember that?
I thought that was it. That was the lesson-teaching trial I needed.

Then came Dallin's accident.
Dallin is one of my best friends from high school and we've stayed close since he moved to Logan.
I won't hash out all the details of the last few weeks, but it's been tough.

When he was first taken to the hospital, things looked bleak.
No one really knew what was going on or what the prognosis was going to be.
Everyone came together so quickly in prayer and support for the Wengert family.
The next Sunday after the accident was Fast Sunday.
So many people who know Dallin, along with countless others who don't know him, fasted with Dallin, his family and his doctors in mind.
The Spirit I felt that day was indescribable.
At the same time, I had the sickest, worst feeling in the pit of my stomach at the same time.
I sat in church with the littlest things setting me off in tears but building me up at the same time.

Over the last few weeks, countless miracles have occurred.
There is love and support from literally thousands of people all over the world pouring in for the Wengerts.
Yesterday, Dallin left the hospital.
He went home.
Not even a month and a half after this terrible accident, he is well on the road to recovery.

Today was Fast Sunday again.
Today I again fasted with this story in mind.
However, today was different.

Today was a fast of gratitude.
Gratitude for Dallin's recovery.
Gratitude for Amy's strength.
Gratitude for the doctors and rehab staff who are helping Dallin.
Gratitude for the way people have come together loving and supporting this sweet family.
Gratitude for the impact this has had on me, my testimony, and the rest of my life.

Prayer works. Fasting works. That's all there is to it, you guys.