Unspoken Rules

I've always been thankful for unspoken rules.

I mean, isn't it nice to have an oncoming vehicle flash their lights to warn of a hidden police car? Or for your hosts to offer something to drink when you arrive? Or for your spouse to hang a new roll of toilet paper when the previous one is gone?

I'm thankful for unspoken rules.

My family had lots of them growing up: Always get permission before inviting a friend over. Confess your sins immediately and the punishment will be less.  Bargain hunt. Check pockets before throwing something in the laundry (I wish I was better about this one!)

Of course, my husband's family had unspoken rules too. And having been part of my husband's family now for almost 7 years, I've picked up on a few: never go to Starbucks without picking up a drink for Nick's mom. Always save coupons. Don't do laundry or shower between 9am and 9pm.

But I'll never forget the time I completely missed the boat on a cardinal unspoken rule. I threw away an empty sugar bag.

I didn't think twice. I was tidying the kitchen after cooking up some apple pies for our Thanksgiving celebration and tossed an empty paper sugar bag in the trash. I went about my day not even thinking about what I had done.

But later on, when Nick's dad, Louie, came home, it was again brought to light. Louie was working in the kitchen when he noticed something amiss and exclaimed,
"Who threw the sugar bag in the garbage?!?!?"

Blushing, I quickly fessed up. I figured I had thrown it in the trash when it was supposed to be in the recycling.  Or vice versa. Louie was immediately gracious and kind, and explained the problem. It was not in the wrong trash can, the problem was that it was in the trash.

Because empty sugar bags are NOT to be thrown away, of course!

Because, oh you of questioning mind, sugar bags make the best lunch sacks a guy could ask for. Sturdy. Solid. Easy to fold. They stay closed. Protect food. The lunch bag benefits are innumerable! And so I say it again, empty sugar bags are not to be thrown away!


I'll admit, it took me a while to come around on this unspoken rule... but I just recently learned the benefits. And I'll tell you now, Louie, your grandson thinks just like you.

Beyond good lunch sacks, Noah discovered that sugar bags also make the perfect play thing. They Crinkle. Crunch. Shake. Rattle.

And they taste awfully good too.

So, today I'm thankful to God for my wonderful father in law. For strolling down memory lane and remembering unspoken rules. For my sweet little son. And of course, for sugar bags.