For the past three days, I have opened my apartment door to the sight of three packages neatly arranged at the apartment next to mine. Initially, the neatness of the arrangement caught my attention. I suspect that there were three separate deliveries. Whatever the reason, they were placed with care, attention, and plenty of room from the others. As day two came and went, I wondered. My guess is that the residents are away. The building is very safe, so I left them as they were. I expected that they would be gone by day three, but they remained. Untouched, sitting silently, waiting patiently for someone to receive and open each.
I wonder if my reactions to the gifts Life leaves with me are any different than my neighbours. Every day there is a gift, a whisper with insights, reminders, and examples of living a life filled with love and compassion as well as the absence of both. Often, I leave the gifts where I found them. Unopened, unattended, and unused.
It is as if I think anyone can use them, however, I am reminded that they have my name and address on them. The lessons and insights are specifically wrapped up for me. Others may have their own lessons, even from the same source. In my reflection, I hear an old dialogue replaying itself; “Did you think that because he’s such a nice God, he’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness, he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.” (Romans 2.4)
Each step is a gift. Tailored to my life and heart, pulled together in a way that fits. The catch is that I need to receive and open the package. Even this is not the end. I am invited to use Life’s whispers to learn and grow.
This morning the packages were gone. It was as if they were never there. I too have an opportunity to put my gifts to use.
