Sometimes it’s what’s left behind . . .

. . . that really counts.

Over the holidays my mom had Christmas Eve at her house. It was crazy – 9 kids ranging from 2 to 13, 10 adults, and lots of food. While good times were had and memories made, a few days later when she was sweeping up the “garbage” left behind, she looked down and found a pile of stuff that made her grateful.

No, she’s not a dumpster diver or a garbage freak, but it was within this pile of refuge — a broken balloon, pieces of ribbons, crumbs of candy canes…garbage, but to my mom this garbage had a special meaning.

It was proof that we had a good time, that kids and parents alike were able to get together to celebrate a special holiday and share in good times. It was in looking at this pile that she was reminded of how grateful she was for her life, family, and health.

Fast Forward to Today

Are Valentine’s wrappers left behind from yesterday’s activities?

Are your kids’ toys “decorating” the living room?

Is the snow outside pure and white?

Before you tackle any clean up or shoveling, take a few minutes to look at what has been left behind to see if there’s another message in this mess. Sure the wrappers should be in the garbage, but savor the fact Valentine’s Day is a special time to appreciate loved ones.

Toys everywhere may be annoying, but one day there won’t be any toys and instead they’ll be driving around in cars.

Yes, that snow needs to be shoveled, but is the sunshine making the snow look like there are diamonds shining on your lawn?

Sometimes it is what’s left behind that counts. This also goes for the environment. Sometimes what a package or garbage leaves behind is what really matters.

My thought for the weekend ahead. Oh and yes, my mom did sweep up her pile and put it in the trash, but not until she took a picture of it.

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garbage, thought that counts, mess, valentine’s , farmers almanac thoughts