Loving... Outside the Box...

Seeing how a great portion of our life is living out of boxes I thought it would be appropriate to write about our LOVE outside the box!  Within the last 8 years we’ve unpacked A LOT of boxes.  We’re either ready to pack up for our next move, we’re unpacking from our recent move, or we’re thinking of our next move...hence boxes, lots of boxes, big  boxes, little boxes, boxes inside boxes, etc.  Box: (a container with a flat base and sides, typically square or rectangular and having a lid) is a quite a useful tool; we can carry boxes, stack boxes, fill boxes, open open boxes and share boxes.  I find the same true of our love for others.  We can keep our love boxed up, taped up, tight, leaving it untouched.  OR we can choose to open our box of love and share it with others.  Its often easier leaving our boxes packed up, not disturbing the contents, storing it away (we’ll get to it on the next move).  However, one never knows when the contents (love) inside might actually come in handy.  I’d love to not unpack, leave my boxes stacked and live minimally...but the truth is, I’d miss my things.  The same is true for my love and emotions, I would love to keep them packed up, but every-time I do, I end up feeling empty.  I have so many boxes full of friendships, memories, and lessons I would have otherwise missed out on if I’d kept my love boxed up.  God intended for us to share life together...and hard as it is I’ll continue to open my “love box” again...I hope you will too!

Juan’s box is rather full this year, nearly busting at the seams.  He’s packed as much as he can, but has it very organized in a clear plastic tote!  His box is filled with WORK (lots of work, sometimes pulling several 14-16 hour days in a row, while other days he’s home before dinner).  He’s documented many interesting surgeries and learning opportunities that he’s filed away in his box.  He manages to fit family, church, and working out in the corners and open spaces of his box.  He has this well maintained and has arranged several family outings and sightseeing adventures for us this year.

I have many “open boxes” this year (not nearly as organized or tidy as Juan’s box).  Mine are overflowing and mixed with one another.  My biggest box at the present is HOMESCHOOLING; there are so many pieces and experiences shoved in this box; half the time I don't know whose or whats inside.  In reality this box that I NEVER wanted to open, is getting re-labeled: “a year to remember, most cherished memories.”  I cannot ever seem to put this box away, it keeps filling up, yet its always exciting and new every day...with the occasional not so welcome surprise: whining, unwillingness to do work, etc.    I’ve recently found a “work” box again.  This is quite the decorated and ornate little box holding some of my most cherished and loved items: crafting, teaching, reading, socialization, and time with my family.  Although it a small box I do treasure it (I run story-time at our local Chick-fil-A once a week as well as plan a monthly event for families).  Inside my smallest, yet most precious box are my four little jewels and my big “rock”  I try to keep my “jewelry box” well maintained and organized, but so often I end up with a jumbled mess, my jewels everywhere (something Im working on)!

Next up is my tackle box, Isaac, boy this box has a compartment for everything.  He keeps his box neat and tidy and organized.  He pulls facts and random little “tools” out all the time to help or offer advice (sometimes unsolicited).  Isaac has his box in order from morning to night, he starts on the left and moves to the right, his perfectionism is admirable, yet frustrating when someone messes up his organization.  Not only does he carry his tackle box, but he’s also sure to have his lunchbox along filled with tasty treats.  His blooming tastebuds match his inquisitive mind and are sophisticated beyond his years.  His favorite compartments in his box are science, math, and culinary (although he’s reorganized his box to fit in football this year)!

Who doesn't love a gift?  Isabelle has many boxes as well, but she's always carrying a pretty packaged gift box.  She is constantly making, filling, decorating and wrapping a box for someone.  Her love and compassion for others pours out of her boxes.  She spent days crafting and creating Christmas presents for each of us, handmade and heartfelt.  Sometimes her boxes take on a “nesting box” mode where we may open one to find another, and another, and another...often brimming with surprises.  She keeps treasures and trinkets in her boxes as well as feelings and emotions.  We are all learning how to unpack her boxes and find a special place for each one.  

Crank up that “music box,” move over for our little entertainment and “party in a box.”  Eli is constantly cranking his little music box and sharing his vibrant and entertaining side.  We never know what he’ll pull out of his box, but 9 times out of 10 he’s got a show and us as his audience.  His charisma and charm are falling out of his box and inside he carries dozens of bright colored treat boxes.  He’s learning when to open his “treat” boxes.  Eli’s working on labeling his boxes this year with his new found love for school.  He loves numbers and math and has taken a liking to reading and writing as well.  I love watching him open the new boxes of learning and put it away in his storage box.

Our sweet little treasure box, Olivia.  Oh how we love an adventure and we’ve found a treasure in her.  She is certainly keeping us on a hunt!  We’re never quite sure what we’ll find each day when we open our “treasure box,” but its sure to be exciting.  Somedays we find sparkling jewels and other days we find we’ve opened the wrong box.  Sometimes we cannot find the key to her little lock box and we try something new and try a different key.  She holds many wonderful treasures inside her box, her curious mind and exuberant little personality make for finding gems each and everyday.

As much as I love to organize and put things in neat boxes, the truth is, in reality it doesn't work that way.  I cannot fit my memories, kids, experiences or love into a box, and I don't want to.  I want my boxes to be OPEN and FILLED with new and exciting things. From our mailBOX to yours, we pray that this letter fills you with love that you’ll box up long enough to take to someone else and share.  Love outside the box, you'll be blessed that you did!

God is Love, 

Team Garcia