Celebrating with the Bridegroom

If "groom" is the shortened version of "bridegroom," is "bride" the shortened version of "groombride"? Sort of a circular definition thing… happening there….

Artistic liberties were taken in interpreting this scene between Jonah and the Ninevites.

Anyway. Our church is in a time of prayer and fasting. I was conflicted from the start about fasting for something or whether I should use it as an open time of spiritual discipline. Typically in the Bible people fasted when they were sad, repenting, worried, scared, or serious about healing someone. Jesus also fasted in the wilderness before he started his ministry – maybe something like spiritual carb-loading? 

While I was undecided on how to begin, our church fast started. This was on a Monday. I am told that some folks prayed and fasted for me so I could find work. Thursday rolled around and I found myself at a cubicle doing my first day as a part-time marketing assistant. My day to fast was Friday but I didn't do it as you can imagine.

And try as I might I have not finished a whole day of fasting since then. Some I technically didn't even start: skipped breakfast at 7 but then had breakfast at 9?

You know what I realized though? It's not a season for me of anything like fasting. Instead this is a time to celebrate! One thing especially that I am celebrating is that I didn't even need to fast: exactly what we were praying for was dropped into my lap without having to go without physically.

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?

I'm coming out of a time of being sad and worried. Now all of a sudden I am working (neither poverty nor riches I might add), back in school, enjoying some art making, doing some meaningful service, and just generally contented. Instead of asking what to fast for, I think the question is why would I be fasting at all right now?

How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?*

I have been heard out, taken care of, and delivered by the bridegroom... and that is best expressed with a good meal and a glass of wine!

*Out of context, but you get the idea.