chaff

chaff has a negative connotation for me until recently.  something my wise friend read to me caused me pause.  i asked if she would mind reading the sentence again.  though i don't have it verbatim, the idea was that chaff can be useful.

farmers know to separate wheat from chaff, the valuable from the invaluable.  but what this author (sister joan chittister) had experienced is that while you're either being sifted by life or sorting things out, you can burn the chaff for useful fuel and light until you find your way.  the pile of "dust in the wind" can give some essential energy.  

the things that aren't 'important' per se?  burn them, proverbially, and let them propel you to what is important.

that was a new thought to me that i'm still mulling over.

what does it mean to you?