Westerners often come to a foreign land thinking they have answers, products, or information the nationals need. While there may be certain times when this is true, we lose so much when we don’t stop to see what others have to offer us as well.
This week I watched as the city around me celebrated a holiday. Starting at 4:30am wives fasted and prayed for their husbands. The fast ended at moonrise that evening when the husbands fed their wives. Much of the traditions do involve religious symbols or stories, but what a concept! Can you imagine how impactful that sort of tradition could be? On a purely secular level, it has to make the husbands feel respected and loved. It also seemed as if the wives were able to take pride (in a good way) in her husbands. Not to mention spending a day praying for someone helps you empathize and feel more connected to them.
Now imagine the spiritual side. If believers in the One True God fasted and prayed, people, relationships, and families could not help but be impacted. Prayer is powerful. Consider gleaning a new tradition from these people. (And for the feminists….I’m sure benefit can come if husbands will fast and pray for wives too) Singles….well….pray for marriages around you. Or you know what? Praying for your future can’t hurt. While you’re on your knees, send up a prayer for my time here. May I never forget how to live my life in a posture to learn.