I am currently waiting for my new program's orientation to begin (I guess that's re-begin for me at this point), and am using the wireless of their hotel's lobby shamelessly. Jordan's internet infrastructure does not quite live up to what we are used to as Americans for whom instant communication and accessibility seems to have become less of the privilege that it probably should be, and more of a necessity. In the spirit of Ramadan all around me, I am trying to reorient (the word just keeps finding applicability in my current life) myself less to the things I think I need (e.g. the internet, food, water, etc) and more to the things in life that really matter. Not always the easiest of exercises, but I have begun to appreciate the insightful depth of this particular tradition of fasting: it's not about denial of the self, or even willpower, but rather a conscious observation that the things that seem so important in our day-to-day lives might actually be just the opposite. Yes, we do need to eat, drink, and communicate, but how often? How much of our lives can and should be spent in pursuit of a relationship with these instead of cultivating other relationships (e.g. family, friends, or, most importantly especially within this culture, God)?
I leave you with this thought today as it has been in my head a lot over the past few days. For anyone who has not heard, my family is now struggling with a sudden and unexpected death. I can't offer any advice, and I can't offer any real consolation, although I wish I could. All I can offer is my own experiences, which right now are very much reflected in the sentiment that there is plenty in life that is more important than food and water.
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