This morning I picked up my daughter after a sleepover at her friend’s house. They had the best time…playing dolls, reading books, and even doing face mask peels. She had already been up early and enjoyed a big breakfast with them, but when I asked her in the car if she was too full for gluten-free pancakes, she smiled and said, “Oh no, Daddy. I have room in my stomach for pancakes!”
Sure enough, she convinced me to help her plan a surprise breakfast for the whole family: pancakes, blueberry muffins, bacon, and eggs.
There was just one problem: she needed the kitchen to stay secret. But in a house full of hungry boys, that’s no easy task. One after another kept opening the fridge, poking around for food. Each time, she sprang into action like a dog barking at the mailman, determined to protect her surprise. Finally, out of frustration and shear determination to keep them out of the kitchen, she made two hand-written signs and plastered them across the room:
“Do Not Look in the Kitchen. And I am serious.”
(And believe me, she was!)
Her intention in all of this was simple, she just wanted her family to have a tasty surprise breakfast and enjoy the look on their faces (and the fullness in their stomachs) when they discovered what she’d made.
Q: What if we approached our health the same way?
It’s not always easy to stay motivated when the goal is just our own health. But when we see taking care of our bodies as stewardship, as being faithful with the gift of health God has entrusted to us, it changes our perspective.
When you care for your health, you’re not only helping yourself, you’re making sure you can show up strong for your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, your friends. By staying on top of your health, you lighten their load and make yourself more useful to them.
Of course, none of us has control over what happens to us in life. But we do have the responsibility to be faithful and diligent, to eat well, move well, stay balanced, rest, and make wise choices, so we’re in the best position possible to be available for the people who need us.
The opposite is also true: if we neglect our health, we often reap the consequences and end up in situations where others must care for us. And while it is good and humbling at times to be on the receiving end of care, reminding us to be grateful for the people God places in our lives, most of us would prefer to be on the giving side as “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
So here’s a question for you: What can you do today to invest in your health?
Here are 3 simple, wise choices you can do today that can make a difference:
- Choose movement over sitting: go for a walk, stretch, or do some light yardwork or gardening.
- Swap water for coffee, soda or sugary drinks: hydration fuels your body far better.
- Protect your rest: set a boundary on screens tonight and get to bed on time.
Small, intentional choices add up and they bless not only you, but everyone around you.
Remember your health affects everything you do and everyone you know.
Have a GREAT weekend!
Dr. Derek “I Am Serious” Taylor
www.drderektaylor.com
(561) 867-1020
