So tomorrow at lunch, I start a 30-hour fast, along with several of our youth. I’ve done a bit of reading recently on the theology and logicality of fasting, and I figured I’d sum it up, at least from my perspective.

Theologically speaking, the simple way to put it is that fasting is a way to prove to yourself that you are sustained by God alone. The most common type of fasting I’ve come across, at least in our country, is “giving something up for Lent.” This year, I gave up Coke for Lent. It may seem kind of silly, but you really don’t understand how much I love Coke; so much that I felt as though I needed it to live. I’m quickly approaching this same relationship with Starbucks, but I digress.

Some people give up other things, like swearing, drinking, procrastinating, sarcasm, and many others. The point, at least biblically, is that you are making a personal decision to do without something that almost defines a portion of your character, in order to recognize that you are fully sustained by God.

Even if you’re not a Christian, or the “God-type,” there are still very good reasons to fast. The foremost of these is the simple fact that millions of people do it every day, and not by choice. You don’t have to go to third-world countries to find these folks. You can see them in your hometown every day. These are people who are the downtrodden, the “passed-by,” the seemingly forgotten. Without writing a book here, fasting is a way to put yourself in the shoes of the person whose life took a bad turn, and now they’re walking by McDonalds wishing they could eat a hamburger. It’s a way to put all that we have in perspective without ever having to leave home.

That being said, I’m not looking forward to going without food for 30 hours. It was really difficult last year, and I fully anticipate it being even tougher this year, as I’ve gotten… let’s say, “hungrier” (meaning “fatter”) since then.

As I’m typing this, I just realized that tonight’s supper was my last until Saturday – and I only ate a taco. Hmmm – better go eat some more.

What I did this weekend: Friday, Nikki and I took a trip to Wilmington to see friends of ours. It was a great and relaxing time that we both really needed. Saturday we took the family down to Myrtle Beach for a bit of shopping, and somewhere along the way nearly all of us got sick. Sunday morning brought some great worship moments, though it was all I could do not to fall over due to the fact that I felt so bad.

How I’m feeling right now (physically): Sick. I’ve got this horrible congestion that won’t leave me alone.

How I’m feeling right now (emotionally): I’m sad that all of my kids are sick.

How I’m feeling right now (spiritually): Connected. I can see and feel God all around me right now, and that’s awesome.

To Do this week: This is a pretty standard week. My normal rounds of postcards, programming, etc. At some point, though, I need to do some more writing on my book.

Book I’m in the midst of: Picked up a great little reader this weekend. It’s called “Life’s Little Annoyances,” by Ian Urbina. I only had to read the title before I bought the book – not to mention that it was only $1 in a discount bin. It’s really funny, and I can relate to most of the circumstances in the book. Perhaps that’s because I get annoyed a lot.

Music I’m currently listening to: Nothing really sticks out to me at the moment. I honestly haven’t had a lot of solo listening time, either.

What I’m dreading this week: Going without food for 30 hours.

What I’m really excited about this week: UNC going to the Elite 8!

I decided to change the title of these posts from “Sunday Update” to “Weekend Update,” because I think it more accurately describes the post, and I love SNL.

What I did this weekend: Went on a date with the wife on Friday night. Date = dinner. It was really great – we needed some time together away from the kids for a bit. Saturday night Nikki and I went to a “young adult” gathering at a friend’s house. So two nights in a row we got some time to ourselves. It was really, really great.

How I’m feeling right now (physically): Pretty good. I’m starting to feel like I need to get back to the gym, though.

How I’m feeling right now (emotionally): I feel pretty anxious. Primarily this is due to the fact that we lost quite a few of our youth members due to the NYC cancellation (another blog posting of its own) and I’ve come to the realization that it’s time to start a rebuilding process. We do, however, need to finish out this year, because the ones who are still coming really deserve to have a fantastic rest of the year. My heart goes out to those who aren’t coming anymore – I pray that they are encountering God somehow in their lives.

How I’m feeling right now (spiritually): Pretty content, actually. The past few months have been spiritual roller coasters for me, but I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I believed that I could fix any situation, and wasn’t willing (or able) to relinquish that responsibility. When I finally did, I felt as though I could move on.

To Do this week: I’m starting a new series next week, called “Asleep in the Pew.” So this week I’ll be doing some reading and studying on my topics. I’ve also got to finish up our schedule for the rest of the year – normally I’d have this done by now, and I thought I did, but when things took a u-turn in January, things changed!

Book I’m in the midst of: Actually, I’m not reading anything right now. I’ve read every book I own, so this week I’m going to have to find some new material.

Music I’m currently listening to: I’ve been listening to worship leader Kari Jobe, as well as a “Greatest Hits”-type compilation I made of Coldplay.

What I’m dreading this week: Going back to taking all three kids to day care in the mornings.

What I’m really excited about this week: The start of the NCAA tournament! Two years ago I hit every one of my predictions except for 4 – I came in 9th place on ESPN’s Bracket Challenge. Last year, not so much.

What I did this weekend: Keynoted the Presbytery Middle School retreat – and slept on the most uncomfortable couch known to man. Or woman.

How I’m feeling right now (physically): Tired, but not exhausted.

How I’m feeling right now (emotionally): Optimistic.

How I’m feeling right now (spiritually): Renewed.

To Do this week: This week I plan on getting the summer trips finalized, and completing my final talk in our youth series on money management.

Book I’m in the midst of: “A Testament to Freedom: The Essential Writings of Dietrich Bonhoffer.” Bonhoffer was one of the most influential Christians of the mid 1900s, and his writings from prison are life-changing.

Music I’m currently listening to: Right now I’m listening to Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida,” and The Classic Crime’s “The Silver Cord.”

What I’m dreading this week: Getting used to the time change.

What I’m really excited about this week: Being back with the family after some time away.