The Box

The box was marked all over with "fragile" and to "handle with care."

I could tell by its travels that little mind was paid to those stamped words that appeared everywhere.

Despite the weathered appearance it was sitting there.

A little tattered and somewhat battered. Definitely the trip had left it banged up and a bit worn.

Every mile and every obstacle it encountered were apparent on its surface. Curiosity had me.

I wanted to peer into that box

below the surface of its exterior

to the contents that were held within.

It felt as if I was going to expose more than what perhaps the size of that box could contain.

Once opened, would I be able to close it?

I lifted it and gave it a gentle shake

there was no rattle or weight.

Slowly I went ahead and peeled back the protective layers of tape

and was totally surprised when I realized.

The contents of that box held my life

Clear memories of both long forgotten ones as well as those closely held.

Tears from joys and painful heartbreaks

laughter unleashed

precious moments of things cherished

choices - the should'ves and the should nots.

Words expressed that were said in regret and regretfully those never spoken.

Everything in that box.

Puzzled by the stamps of "fragile" and to "handle with care."

Because I saw hurts and some pains that I had been through and some that I caused.

It was then I realized this is life...it's fragile and we do need to handle it with care

but we are built by grace to endure whatever comes our way.

The box is my shell...my vessel in my travels

The contents are my memories, choices and opportunities both taken and missed.

The tape so securely holding it all together not ever allowing it to fall completely apart

represents that of my ever-loving protective Father. He is what keeps me together.

Life is fragile

we encounter hard experiences and hurts, yet they do not break us

For he who created us holds us in each moment.

Cherish the joys, look back to the hardest battles behind you because you made it through.

Memories to be made await you. Life is meant to be lived.