Fasting is NOT

I watched Elder Bednar give an interview today.  I think it is on lds.org.  He was talking about being an Apostle of the Lord.  He was answering questions that were posed by?  I don't know who.  BUT, before I tell you what he said about fasting, let me say that I have never liked listening to him.  I always felt that if I knew him there would be a definite personality clash going on.  

Well, today I saw a different man.  I don't know if he has changed, or if I have changed my view of life and leaders.  But he bore such a great testimony, taught such simple sweet truths, and spoke so lovingly.  I was amazed.  Maybe  he is now comfortable with his calling, understands it better, or has come to love the people of the world (outside the world of Utah and Idaho). Maybe I am ready to hear what he has to say.

Today he spoke of his experiences with and love for the people of the world.  He talked about a lesson he learned in Africa.  It was a lesson on fasting.  He sat in a Sunday School class in a branch in Africa.  This is an area where they only get one meal a day, and that is on a good day.  They are not starving, but they are always hungry.  The sister teaching the class was a convert of 8 months.  She told the members of her class that when they have no food to eat, it is not fasting.  It is only fasting when they have food and choose not to eat.

Elder Bednar was obviously touched by the testimony and conversion of this woman. He was touched by her understanding of gospel principles at such an early "age" in the gospel.  I was touched by his willingness to share, not only the lesson this Sister taught, but his learning during his experience in that Sunday School class. 

Now I will eagerly await his conference addresses.  He is a man of God.  He is an Apostle of God.  He is not arrogant.  Maybe I am less arrogant and more willing to learn.