It’s August!  That means it’s “Back to School” season.  Getting the family back into the groove of routine during this end-of-summer transition can be overwhelming.  Everybody is suddenly trying to tie up loose ends on summer projects and tackle their bottomless to-do lists, while squeezing in one last summer vacation.  Recently I felt overwhelmed by all the commotion and it got me thinking about a funny little story that helped me put things into perspective.

I have a family friend, who, in his early years of marriage, was convinced that he and his family needed a 4-wheel-drive pickup truck.  Of course, his wife was quite sure that he did not need, but merely wanted the new vehicle.  Nevertheless, for a couple years the two of them playfully considered the advantages and disadvantages of such a purchase, and eventually, the two of them decided to make the purchase.

Shortly after acquiring the new vehicle, the husband decided to test the utility of the truck and thus validate his reasons for purchasing it.  He set out with his pickup to go cut and haul firewood for his home.  It was late autumn in the Rocky Mountains, and snow had started to fall where he intended to collect his wood.  As he drove up the mountainside, the snow became deeper and deeper.  He recognized the potential danger of the situation, but his confidence in his new truck urged him further up the mountain.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before he found himself stuck; all 4 wheels of his beautiful new truck spun in the snow.  Embarrassed, he quickly realized he did not know how to extricate himself from this tricky situation.  Determined not to just sit there, he began to chop and fill his truck with wood.  Once his pickup was full, he decided he would try once more to dislodge his pickup from the snow.  Much to his relief, as he applied the gas, his truck slowly inched forward and back onto safer roads.  He returned home a humbled and happy man.

It was the load (the weight of the wood) which provided the traction necessary for him to get out of the snow, onto a safer path, and home to his family.  In much the same way, each of us also carries our own load, comprised of a variety of challenges and opportunities.  After relaxing during the unstructured summer, we sometimes mistakenly think that happiness is the absence of a load.  For this reason, the additional load of responsibility we feel to get our families started on a healthy routine is often upheld grudgingly.  However, once the weight of responsibility is shifted into a healthy routine, a wonderful thing happens- our load gets lighter!

Have you ever wondered why or how the busiest people you know are often the healthiest?  The big secret is that these individuals are excellent prioritize-ers and routine-ists. These people embrace the heavy load of responsibility and quickly shift its weight to fit their healthy routines.  As a result, healthy habits are made and a general sense of confidence and happiness is achieved.  Although it may seem counter-intuitive, making health a priority for you and your family will enable you to carry more of life’s loads, without over-exertion.

As you face the personal load of “Back to School” tasks, I urge you to accept the challenge to prioritize your family’s health.

This week’s recipe is a no-hassle variation for one of my favorite comfort-foods.  Oven Baked Fajitas are a quick and nutritious meal that can fit into your busy “Back to School Routine.” Enjoy!