September 26 is National Pancake (i.e. hotcake, griddle cake, flapjack) Day. Not sure who decides these national and international obscure food holidays, but I would love to hug their necks. Who am I to go against what those who have gone before me and deemed worthy of celebrating? I say hand me a whisk and some Maple syrup and point me to the griddle.
Ironically enough, the day before, September 25, is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. Now I feel much more adequate at celebrating the former holiday mentioned in this post, but truly believe we can live in a healthy balance of both enjoying the delicious things in life (in moderation of course) and getting up and moving.
I have rarely had a structured fitness routine. Often my movement involves chasing around my almost two year old son or going on walks; maybe some squats in the shower (please no mental images right now) or a spontaneous dance party with my crew. I do believe that our “…bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God…” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Knowing that, I want to put the best things in my body and move because I am able! What a gift that I can often take for granted - the ability to move and take care of this body I have been given. Whether practicing daily Pilates, jogging on a gym treadmill, or taking the stairs versus the elevator, I think the beautiful thing is that each person can do what works for their season of life.
Like I said, I can easily celebrate the day dedicated to pancakes. I love food in all of its forms and also feel like that too is a gift from God. There is always butter in my fridge; if something needs heavy cream, I don’t hesitate. I try my best to incorporate delicious and nutritious things into the food that I prepare, but sometimes this girl is going to indulge a bit. The Lord gave me a love for food and I do my best to use that love to create community around my table.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31
I have always been one to support balance in our lives, through the food we eat as well as how we take care of ourselves. Sometimes taking care of ourselves looks like rest and a long bath; sometimes it looks like changing the choices we make regarding food if they are unwise, or, perhaps, spending a little more time moving - whatever “moving” means for you specifically. Here’s to finding that balance and hopefully doing so in community with others. I hope you are able to celebrate pancakes AND be a woman who cares about her health. Pilates and pancakes….I think we might be onto something there.
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Elizabeth Fleming is a wife and proud mom. She is co-owner/baker at Cuppies & Joe, a dessert cafe, with her family. She loves cooking, going on adventures with her husband, and is unashamedly obsessed with her son and his adorable cousins.