Rationing the Chia Seeds

 

"Teach us to number our [chia seeds] 

so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12 

Standard Cottage Translation

Three things to know for what's to follow.

One is that we are on an island and that means groceries and supplies have to be carefully anticipated.  There's no running out to quickly fetch something.

The second is that, with the price of gas so volatile right now, we have promised ourselves to be extra prudent in how many trips back and forth to the marina we're going to make.  So it's that much more important to think carefully through any shopping list.

The third is that due to some recent necessary dietary changes, I have added chia seeds to my regular intake (emphasis on 'regular').

Truth be told, I had no idea you could add chia seeds to so many things, and that they had such a repertoire of results.  I won't go into all their benefits here; you can check it out with a quick Google search if you're interested.  Let's just say that chia seeds are now a regular item on our grocery list.  Not only are they included in my morning protein smoothie, but they add a fun texture to this chia seed chocolate pudding that is super easy to make and loaded with other good things like yogurt, avocado, banana, turmeric and honey (full recipe on request).  It's now my go-to desert.

We had lots up here, I thought.  But when Ken did a quick (necessary) trip back to KW last weekend, I asked him to stop by Bulk Barn (best bang for your buck on chia seeds) and bring back a bag-full to replenish my stock.  Which he did.  And then, as often happens, they got left behind in the van.  He remembers having to re-sort a bag to make something fit better....and that's it.

Our next scheduled trip off the island isn't until July 2nd or 3rd.  Everything else has been stocked up.  So, because of our determination not to make unnecessary trips back and forth, and because I still do have some chia seeds, and because I don't mind a challenge, I am now into day four of seeing if I can make this work.

It's kind of fun.  You look at something quite differently when you believe it to be scarce.  You measure more carefully, plan more specifically, and relish or at least appreciate every portion dolled out.  It's not the first time I've noticed this up here.  Shampoo, milk, toilet paper, peanuts for the chipmunks...whatever it is, if you're running out, you're just that little bit more mindful. 

Of course the best thing is when you apply your years of cottage wisdom and stock up on everything, like, all the time, which is usually what we do, sure.  But every once in a while you don't catch it, forget to put something on the list, or leave a bag in the van.  At least this time it wasn't anything spoilable.

Okay, confession, but you already caught this, so, for what it's worth.  The original Hebrew text for Psalm 90:12 does not contain the words 'chia seeds.'  It's 'days,' as in days of our life.  And now the chia seeds themselves are but an echo of a much greater thing; the gift that is each moment "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Not for me, but for someone I deeply care about, this is much more real than the threat of running out of a needed grocery item.  Diagnoses with estimated life spans attached to them can really mess with your head, unless you tune your heart.  If you do, if you can, like my friend has been able to, every day becomes a cherished thing, the way it should be for all of us, but just that much more beautifully real for some.  This I have found to be true when facing my own oh-so-much-less-serious-but-with-some-long-painful-nights health issues.  In the middle of the suffering is where cherished things become more astounding.

I am not to the point of counting out my chia seeds one by one, which would be ridiculous.  But I am grateful for these tiny reminders that help me stop and marvel at every good thing that fills --

Wait.  Ken's just come in to tell me something ---

He says he's surprised and somewhat distraught to discover that he has only four days of Coke left!!!  Previously planned departure is eight days out.  He's just announced that, in order to prevent an emergency situation of catastrophic proportions, we're going into town, likely Sunday.

Which means I can fetch my chia seeds.

And thus endeth the lesson.