Take It For Granted

I discovered a few years ago that I love raw fish! Sushi has changed my life. I had no idea how wonderful uncooked fish could be. I have always enjoyed eating creatures from our lakes and seas. I would usually order my dishes cooked. I pretty much had to. Most non-sushi restaurants would not be very receptive to a hunk of raw fish on a plate. Sushi restaurants are my dining establishment of choice now.

Every time I have enjoyed sushi and sashimi it has been an almost religious experience. Each type of fish or sea life has offered a new sensation. Every plate offers textures and tastes that constantly differ. Am I making you hungry? I hope that I will always enjoy what this Japanese delicacy has to offer. I am dismayed though at my feelings after my latest jaunt to my favorite sushi bar. I took the whole experience for granted.

This really is not like me. I have, up to now, made the most of each sushi adventure. I eat one piece at a time. I savor the flavor and describe it to my non-fish-eating wife. Although she will not touch the stuff she tells me that she gains joy vicariously through my experience. Christine is content to order vegetarian rolls which make her quite happy.

Why would this time be so different? How could I now take what had been so special and make it into something pedestrian? I have learned a valuable lesson in all of this. Sooner or later, no matter how wonderful or special a thing is, we will inevitably take it for granted. At first I felt bad. I was upset at myself for not appreciating sushi as I usually do. I soon saw the truth in that we all fall into this way of thinking sooner or later.

I am only human after all. I see the fine line that taking for granted is. We want to feel that something or someone is special. At the same time we must believe that they or it will always be there. Why else would we make our plans? We naturally assume that the object of our desire will be there or we would have made other plans to begin with. It is hard to see things as permanent and yet tenuous both simultaneously.

What is the resolution? I offer my philosophy as thus: Enjoy a thing as often as you can but be prepared for it to never be seen again. Things change. People change. What we have counted on, be it a day or a year, will eventually disappear. Make the most of the experience and have no regrets when the end finally arrives. This is a good way of looking at sushi as well as life. No one can predict what tomorrow will bring. Enjoy all of today and leave your worries behind!