The Box

I see myself walking alongside you.  Chatting and keeping conversation.  Nesting around my chest is this box that I am carrying, not too big and not too small.  The right size that I could just see over it. Since I remember, I have always had it with me. But today is different, something is taking place; I did not pay attention and continued walking and chatting, enjoying the company.  Over the years we have become good friends. 

You know all my dreams, my hopes and you have been with me during the most difficult times of my life.  You have directed my steps and showed me the way out.  You know me more than I know myself. You created my inmost being and nothing is hidden from you. 

I hear your voice saying, "look inside the box" I asked myself, why should I look? Why are you telling me to look inside?  Don’t you already know what’s inside?

Puzzled by your request I fumble with the box I take my time, I don’t understand; since we stared to walk, you have seen me carrying this box, and now, you have decided to ask me to look inside it? I recognize your tone of voice,  it's joyful and playful. I am puzzled but I obey.  I stop, put the box down and I dare to look down at the box and to my surprise it is empty.  Empty. !!!  I look up and I see your face smiling at me, I hear your voice saying. “ It has been empty for a long time. I realize then, the enemy has used the residue of my old self to hold me back. 

Insecurity, fear, doubt, double minded, low self esteem, comparing myself with others, thinking of me less, not fully trusting God.  All these “things” I have struggled with. They are gone. I am a new creation. Wrong perspective and wrong beliefs  had me carrying this empty box for so long.  Today I have made the decision not to pick the box up again. 

Asking the Lord to bring to my attention when I consider grabbing hold of it again.  As we continue walking, this time He takes my hand and leads me as a young child.  I feel light, leaving the box behind has given me a new perspective for tomorrow. 

Able to recognize a new strength in me, we walked away leaving behind the empty box that I had carried for so long.  Now my question is, What are you carrying? What are you holding on to? 

May this devotion help you see deeper into yourself and help you empty out your own box.

Blessings 

Ivette Dias-Yee