This unassuming wood box caught my eye at a garage sale, I took it home and gave it a modern vintage makeover. This would be a perfect idea for any old wood box you have in your stash or come along on your hunts. 
There was more to this box than meets the eye. I’m always in love with a wood box that is a clean slate for decorating, like this one was, because I can take it home and make it my own. But what sold me on this $2 find was what I found when I peeked inside. 
You see, I almost passed this little box up because I have a ton of things like this at home already. But something told me to walk over and take a look. Open the lid and check it out. 
I’m so glad I did. Look what was inside. A tiny copy of the New Testament. Immediately I marched over to the check out TV tray and forked over my two bucks. I felt like I stole it this was such a good deal! 
I kept thinking about this box as I painted it and now as it sits in our home looking so fresh and cute. I’m sure it’s a good example of the old “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” lesson, but really I feel like it tells a bigger story.
A story of time and unexpected gifts, a story of effort and uncovering. Seeking. 
Recently I sat in church and was, I’m sad to say, distracted from the sermon. I don’t really even know what the pastor talked about that Sunday. Although, I’m not really sorry, I think that’s exactly what God wanted from me this particular week. Something happened at church that day and something fundamentally changed in me. 
I sat and starred at all the people. They of course where intently looking ahead at the pastor, unlike myself. As I looked around the room I saw the people. I actually saw them in a way I never have before. I recognized that behind each head of hair and each starry gaze was a world of wonder, hurt, excitement, longing, anger, fear, joy and pain that isn’t revealed by their put together appearance that a Sunday morning brings. Each person carries a story inside that wants to be told, needs to be held and sometimes just wishes to disappear. All different. All important. Hundreds of boxes filled with gifts.
I’m guilty of viewing the forest, but not the trees. I look at the whole but don’t take time to look inside, at the details. It’s not even about judging the book and moving on, sometimes I even pass up books that look like a good read. It’s about never opening it and missing out on the surprise story inside. The secret gift that others hold to my own healing, growing and joy.
Opening the box takes effort. It takes curiosity. It takes time and seeking. Sometimes I will be met with a special treasure and sometimes the insides will be disappointing. But the journey is always worth it. In a day of having a million “friends” on social media, I felt God taking me a step back and asking me to really see people. Hurt for them. Be broken for them. Be joyful for them.
But that takes opening the box.
And I want to do that more.
In a world growing wider we need to grow deeper and this little box reminds me that God always has a special gift tucked inside when we take the time to look. When we seek him we are never disappointed. This blog is such a gift to me. You are such a gift to me. I want to open the box more, hear from you, know you, learn about you, share with you, be broken for you and lift you. So…I’m seeking, but you have to meet me halfway by letting me know what’s inside! Friend, even if you don’t reach out to me today I pray God will place special gift boxes in your life and give you the eyes to see them, the nudge to walk over and the courage to open them up. If the box happens to come in a wood form, then this cute little makeover will literally take minutes and look adorable. But I’m hoping you find the human kind too. 🙂 
Thank you! So needed this today! You are a blessing!
I’m so glad this spoke to you! I only share what I nee too s we are in the same boat friend
Kim, I love this post! Such a fantastic reminder of what God calls us to do! Praying for you today sweet friend! Love and Blessings Always, Ashleigh
Thank you Ashleigh – I welcome all prayers!!! I appreciate you so much
Kim…. you never cease to inspire me , making me want to be a better person!! Truly enjoy the way you write as well as your incredible craft ideas!!!! You have a gift!
Kim, You are such a wonderful inspiration. You bring out the best in me when I’m trying so hard to fight this evil world we live in today. Thank you for your truth and hope for my future. Cheryl Floyd
thank you friend! I miss seeing you! We need to get together soon!
Thank you for sharing. In a world where “busyness” hinders our real purpose as believers, it’s good to be reminded to take the time to look and listen… to realize that even steps that seem insignificant are ordered by the Lord! Each day brings opportunities to listen and really see those around us. Timely!
yes, I am so guilty of breezing through life and looking past what is right in front of me. 🙁 thank you so much for encouraging me today
God works in mysterious Ways!!! Amen!
yes He does and it never ceases to amaze me!!!
Dearest Kim – I always enjoy reading your blog. I’m always inspired by your home decor, craft ideas and christian posts. I felt liked something lit up inside me as I read your post today. You’ve touched my heart many times over the years, but today you touched my soul. Thank you for that.
so so grateful for you and grateful that this spoke to you today. I really felt the same way in church the other day. Those light bulb moments are so special, amazed that I could be apart of one for you!
I’m reading this while packing for our annual Choir Retreat in NC. Thank you posting this today. I’m fighting Lyme Disease complete with a Piccline and daily infusions of massive antibiotics. I wasn’t even sure if I should go on retreat this year but the Lord is pushing me to.
Blessings????
Poignant post. We all need to slow down in life. It goes by in a blink.
Cindy
Dear Kim, I am a relatively new subscriber, but I find that as I search the hundreds of emails I get every day, I keep my eye open for yours, as I feel so blessed and uplifted by your blog. You truly have a gift of being able to touch my heart with your stories and craft projects. Thank you!
So sweet! The box, the Bible, and the story. We definitely need to look inside each other more.
Such sweet beautiful encouragement!
Thank you! This touched my heart and opened my eyes. God sure does know how to get our attention and sometimes it’s in the gentlest way that does it best!
I love every part of this one, sweets! Reminds me of the true meaning of “salvaged living”, huh?
xo
Kim, this is another exceptional post. Your blog is consistently encouraging and inspiring. This time, I find myself wishing I could “like” all the beautiful comments. Thank you for helping us celebrate God’s goodness.
The box is wonderful, Kim.
So are you! ????
Thank you for nudging me today!
Hi Kim,
Yes, I’m a newcomer!
And SO happy to meet you! I really love your touching little insights, that sometime, quite frankly, we can’t see ourselves! ????
The Bible was a added blessing for you. Your blog and friendship is an added blessing to me! This is one of my favorite posts you have made. xoxoxo
that makes my day, glad to call you friend. Hope you are hanging in there!
Annie, Thanks for sharing the box and your kind words. It made me think. I really needed that this morning.
Hello Kim, I usually do not comment. However, I felt compelled to connect with you today. I look after my Mum who is 81 years. At times it is so overwhelming as she has the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. Then I feel guilty and sad at the same time. Our Lord has my box for safe keeping as it is not the time for opening it yet. I know this, feel this, and this gives me strength, hope and faith. At times this is frustrating but I trust God completely, “For He knows the plans….. not to hurt us…” I send you love and great many hugs. Thank you Kim for posting this real down to earth honest post! Love from Deanna Lynn –Montreal Canada.
I so needed to read this today, Kim. Isn’t it amazing how God speaks to us? He speaks to me through Nature. Like, I planted two identical plants, the same size in the same soil, but one grew vigorously, and the other one was stunted. God spoke to my heart about the similarities of one person being hungry for growing in Him, and one that isn’t. I am so thankful that I found your blog. I will definitely be “opening” boxes! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
This is my first introduction to your blog. I love the gift box idea. What a sweet story how God nudged you to peek inside. His love is always abounding towards us.
Hi Kim,
I jumped on my computer totally determined to get online, order from Amazon, & continue with the movie I’m watching. I started closing windows and saw wooden box make over. well, I clicked and read your how to then on with the deeper meaning you found. I agree. I think when we are committed to Christ and growing, that even in the dry, hard, & nasty seasons of life, He can lead, heal, & use our wisdom He feels us with from those times. I’ve got a new desk & am sprucing up my desk and craft area. I was looking for something to put supplies in when I came across a box set I’d forgotten about. Nothing was inside. After being in the hospital twice in 3 weeks I have been asking what good is all this for? It’s (cancer) been devastating to some of my relationships and physically a real struggle some days. After reading your post it dawned on me, I poured so fast, long, & steady into others, still refusing to even look sick if i can help it, & God just wants me to be still. He wants me unlike my empty boxes, to establish balance & leave time for refilling my vessel, thus being refreshed.
I hope whatever the weather, your fishing getaway hits every mark you & Ladd need. Prayers for safe travels sweet friend.
Praying for YOU sweet friend – for your rest, restoration and filling. Be still and let Him do the rest xoxo