Who has time?

This week we spent hours preserving organic apples into multiple varieties of applesauce for the coming winter. We will have a taste of summer all year round- buying fruit out of season in the store almost always means you have to settle for treated or unsustainably grown produce. But it took a LONG time to gather, peel, and prepare them. I'm glad that apple season is almost over!

Sometimes people seem to think it's odd that we spend so much time planting, raising, and processing food for our family. They say things like, "I just dont have time for that!", or "That is just so much work". Sometimes they point out that I could just buy applesauce at the store, and it's pretty cheap. At times it seems like they believe I haven't really thought these things out. The truth is, sometimes it is more work than I like, but I have really intentionally chosen quality over convenience.

Convenience is the excuse we use to justify shortcuts. Unfortunately many of these shortcuts directly contribute to destructive practices. Unsustainable farming practices are poisoning our air, soil and water. The cheapest convenience foods are a result of government subsidies for these damaging cash crops as well low wages for farm and factory workers. And the factory farming of animals for meat, eggs and dairy has led to the widespread acceptance and implementation of practices that cause uneeded suffering for animals. Whenever I can, I choose to not support these industries, by simply not buying. And I know that will cost me- either the increased price for pastured humanely raised animal products or organic local produce, or my time.

All that being said, there is also something fulfilling about raising and preparing your own food. There is a connection with nature and an understanding of the true cost of things. Besides the benefits of pure whole foods without harmful additives- the food also tastes real and wholesome. (You wont find applesauce sweetened with local honey, or Cranberry or Blueberry and Aronia Applesauce in the grocery store, either). The time spent outdoors in the garden or caring for animals is time well spent, and the time spent cleaning the kitchen is small price to pay for all the other things. We all make time for the things that matter to us- whether it is food, social justice, entertainment, sports, or spirituality. What do you choose to make time for?