It’s a blueberry pancake day.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I never understood that.
For years people have been forcing me to eat when I wake up. In the absence of others (my mom, mother-in-law or sister) who would make me breakfast, the omenous, but never identified “they” still guilted me into grabbing something before leaving the house. If I’m not hungry, why do I need to eat? If I already have energy, what’s the point of stuffing more in my mouth?
This morning I woke early planning to post about how important eye glasses are. (Last night before bed I almost smeared Butt Paste all over my dry, cracked hands. It and my hand cream come in containers of identical size and shape, and both were resting on the same shelf in the bathroom.) I planned a loquacious recounting with pictures, but my camera is broken and, after spending 15 minutes trying to get my camera phone to work, I gave up.
Blog post abandoned, I now had plenty of time to make a nice big breakfast for my family. Blueberry pancakes reign as the favorite.
I think “they” are right! I won’t talk about the nutritional or health benefits of breakfast. I’m sure someone out there will be happy to fill me in regardless of my apathy. But this is what I noticed: my whole day forms differently when we have blueberry pancakes. We sit together as a family. We take time to enjoy one another’s company before starting the day’s activities. We make sure we’re rested and ready before we become active. The benefits continue throughout the day. The kids play nicely together. They’re not as clingy or whiney as on other days. They don’t ask for TV as much. And me? I’m more productive. Everything just seems better.
Now all this certainly does not hinge on blueberry pancakes. If only it were that easy! Rather, it’s about finding center, remembering why I’m here and what I’ve been called to do. If I start my morning by being still, even for just a twenty minutes or so, I can evaluate the situation and prepare for the day.
Some mornings I jump on my computer and, before I know it and before I’ve showered, my interests have sprawled in fifty-six different directions, the kids are fighting over what to watch on TV, the house is a mess, I’m frustrated and irritable. On my deliberate days, my blueberry pancake days, time moves slowly. I get showered before the kids wake up. I have quiet time to reflect. I get the breakfast dishes done before 6pm. (I know, shock and awe.) On my deliberate days, I keep my priorities straight: God first, family second, personal ambition third.
I really like those days.
Posted on January 8, 2009, in cooking, family, priorities, time. Bookmark the permalink. 7 Comments.
Let me know the next time you’re making pancakes… i’m there.
Love this post. For me, its scrambled eggs and waffles … and I so understand what you’re saying. May you have a year FULL of these days!
Oh yum! I love blueberry pancakes! And you’re so right! I’ve noticed on the days I take time to get my priorities straight the day goes so much better (today, unfortunately was not one of those days).
I’m cringing. I have to admit it.
The principle is wonderful – the focusing, the centering, the family time.
But the menu is atrocious. It drives me crazy that 99% of foods associated with breakfast are basically dessert.
One 6″ blueberry pancake with 1 tablespoon of syrup – 220 calories, 35 carbs, no fiber, no protein. (And truthfully, don’t people usually eat 2 pancakes with about 6 tablespoons of syrup? Egads.)
Signed,
A Healthy Breakfast Advocate
Gosh Tanya, I definitely need more blueberry pancake days, it’s always rush, rush ,rush to do the chores and whatever else has to be accomplished for the day. I’ve been feeling so guilty lately because of my complacency. So your blog was an awakening and a whisper from God to just “Be still!”~Love, Myra
Dear Healthy Breakfast Advocate:
I know, I know! You’re not the only one cringing. I have a number of friends who complain every time I celebrate pancakes. If it makes you feel any better, the pancakes are whole wheat and allergen free. They’re very low sugar and we strictly limit the amount of syrup.
The lack of protein is a big deal to me too. These are usually served with sausage. Normally, our breakfasts are high protein (eggs, ham, yogurt, etc.), but this is our special treat breakfast.
Thanks for looking out for our health!!
Signed,
The not-so-health-concious, but very happy mama.
I’m singing the blueberry pancake song. Come on, sing it with me. The lyrics aren’t hard:
Blueberry pancakes,
Blueberry pancakes,
Oh, I love my
Blueberry pancakes.
The tartness,
The sweetness,
The burst in my mouth.
Oh, I love my
Blueberry pancakes.
There’s a little jig, too.