Possibilities

You’ve heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? This year in middle Georgia, where I spend my winters, a fellow camper has created a stunning visual of that sentiment.

One of the things Georgia is known for is their tall and beautiful Georgia pine trees. And these pine trees produce an abundance of large pinecones which constantly fall to the ground or strike the metal roof of my camper causing me to jump out of my skin! Now, I really don’t consider the cones to be trash (they have a great many uses in craft projects), but I constantly have to pick them up from my driveway, deck, and campsite. I collect them in buckets to use as efficient campfire starters.

However, one of the more imaginative, creative, and ambitious residents in our camping community had a much better use for the plummeted cones. Over time, she gathered an enormous amount of the trees cast-offs. I’m told it took her two months to arrange the cones into a perfectly shaped, sturdy, pinecone Christmas tree—complete with lights and burlap garland. Sitting majestically on the top of the tree is an owl.

This woman has reminded me to see past the clutter and imagine the possibilities in life. I applaud her inventiveness and I’m grateful for the lesson. I intend to bring that message with me into the new year! I can…and I will!

Happy 2026!