I do not live in a country with traditional mailboxes. We have post office boxes and courier delivery. We do not have the concept of a mailbox and a postman or postwoman delivering the mail to a destination. Life likes to remind me that there are lessons in the familiar as well as in what is missing.
As I look back on a line of mailboxes in Madrid New Mexico, I am struck by the lesson reminders playing out in my day where this illustration does not exist. I am thankful for the creativity which struck me that day, especially as it helps me look ahead to the chapter I will write today.
When I see a mailbox, the words that come to mind include destinations, delivered, and received. Even as the words describe the end of one journey, the potential experience waiting for the person opening a letter and receiving the story of another remains to be written. As final as the initial words might seem, there are simply milestones and notations within a much bigger journey and unfolding story.
When something is delivered, it seems complete. It can be many things. However, in my experience complete is not one of them. Far too often, I find myself marking something as complete when it is not. I have completed my studies, knowing that there is far more to learn. I have arrived, knowing that my arrival is also the beginning of the experience which follows. I have got it all together, all the while knowing that “there’s nobody living right, not even one.” (Romans 3.10)
Mailboxes may serve a primary function, yet this should not stop us from enjoying, celebrating, and having fun with them. Life needs your creativity and mine. People love to experience the bright colours of excitement and hope, so bring your style along with mine!
I loved the mailboxes in Madrid. They speak of a community celebrating creativity and diversity. They also speak of a warm reception to what others are sending us. May my heart accept others with Madrid’s joy.
