An empty box represents a curiosity of the unknown to the observer.
An empty box could represent the remnant of an exhilarating gift that brought great joy to the receiver, or it could represent an action that never manifested to its completion. Like a gift that never made it from the sender because of a great tragedy that stopped the completion of the gesture.
An empty box could represent someone who just moved from their friends and family and the emptiness of the box symbolizes their empty heart. A room full of empty boxes could be seen as an ocean full of emotions that represent actions and reactions.
The emptiness of a box brings images of joy or the reality of emptiness. We either see the empty box symbolizing joy or grief based on our perception of our own reality. We alone determine the value of the box and the significance of the emptiness it represents.
When the Lord looked at us in our empty state without Christ, He chose to see great potential. He did not see the wickedness of humanity lacking righteousness, but He saw great potential to fit inside our empty souls. He saw what great joy we would have with Him and the great pleasure it would bring Him to fill our emptiness with His salvation. He saw our emptiness as great potential to connect with us in a very powerful way. He did not judge our emptiness as a bad thing, but He saw our emptiness as proof we needed Him in a very real way.
The quandary of an empty box is that it will remain empty until someone fills it. We can see an empty box as the end of a journey or the beginning of a great adventure. It is up to us to determine the meaning of our emptiness and the meaning of Jesus as Savior.
I choose to see my emptiness before Christ as the beginning of a great journey to the great unknown. I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but what I do know is that I am full of great potential for tomorrow. I no longer see an empty box as the end or the death of hope and joy. I can now see an empty box as the beginning of a great adventure ready to be articulated by my enthusiasm for its potential.
The next time you see an empty box, ask yourself this very important question, “What do you see?”
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and cohdra.)
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Josh Clevenger is the pastor of Cory Zion Church in Cory, Indiana. He is a husband, father, pastor, author, and evangelist. Josh has numerous books in publication, along with an active outreach ministry. He wants people to feel connected to God’s grace and experience the comfort of His mercies. Follow Josh Clevenger Ministries to get daily encouragement from the Lord.