Packaging

I don't ever remember being accused of being normal, which I think is a good thing. With black Friday and cyber Monday past us, Americans have started the purchasing frenzy toward Christmas. The thing I wonder about, is the packaging for all of it.

In modern society, almost everything we purchase comes in a package of some sort. It can be a box of various sizes, plastic wrap, or a combination of items. For those that shop online and have everything shipped, like me, it adds another box and packing material to the already packaged item. With Christmas presents, we adorn these outside coverings with printed paper, bows, and cards.

What's the first thing that we do after receiving our item? We dig through the protective packaging to get to the adorned object and discard the container it came in. Much of it goes to trash or recycling never to be seen again. However, some items pause before their final departure from our houses and businesses.

No matter what toy a child receives, they favorite item is often the box it came in. As imagination takes hold, it can turn into a car, plane, train, tunnel, fort, or anything else that can be imagined. Kids aren't the only ones that find joy in these items, adults can as well. I have often heard protective bubble wrap popped in my house by various people around me. Alas, after the fun is gone though, the fate of a lowly package is out to trash bin.

Not all packages contain items to be given though. Our bodies are also temporary containers for our souls that will one day release its contents. Just as every item has its purpose and container, so do the lives we have been given.

As you go throughout the next few weeks, likely giving and receiving, pay attention to every container of every sort. They may be something handy in the quad life, or in the one to come.