First Baptist Church of Herndon

If you were a mailbox...

Linda Soller | Dec 14, 2015

Walking in my neighborhood the other morning I noticed the mailboxes along the road have taken on some real personality for the holidays. The little white mailbox is a country charmer with a bit of plaid ribbon, a few pine cones, and a touch of greenery. Then there was the red hat lady mailbox, decked with an abundance of hanging red berries and a tasteful bow, she has a big personality. The classy mailbox sported a fresh coat of paint, a stunning large white bow and tasteful cascades of pine. But my favorite by far is the Eeyore mailbox. It sits slightly away from the others, the paint is not horrible, but a bit tired. This mailbox is draped with tons of running pine which resembles a furry coat, and stands in a huge pile of pine cones. At the top is a droopy red bow. I can almost hear it saying, why me? Why do I have to hold this pine all day? And my bow is droopy and sad, it’s embarrassing. Why can’t I be like the others, looking festive and spunky? Poor little Eeyore mailbox. There is something sad, and yet endearing about the sight.

Now if the mailboxes could talk I would tell Eeyore mailbox not to complain. He could have been completely neglected like my mailbox. At the very least someone loved him enough to decorate him. Or I would say he could have been barely covered like Mr. Skimpy Wreath mailbox on the next street; at least Eeyore is covered from the cold. But he is Eeyore mailbox, and he would still moan and complain, nothing is ever really okay with Eeyore, nothing is quite good enough.

Which mailbox are you? Yes, a silly question, but maybe not such a silly answer. How would a stranger walking by describe you this time of year. Are you pleasant? Are you friendly? Are you festive? Are you caring? Or maybe you’re an Eeyore. Are you the one who says it’s too cold, I have too much to do, I hate spending all this money, and on and on? Do you walk around with a sad expression like Eeyore? Is there ever a gift good enough? If you are an Eeyore, I would remind you of the real reason for Christmas. I would remind you that no matter how bad things may seem, there is most likely someone who has it worse, so be thankful for your blessings, even if they are few and far between. I would tell you to give of yourself if your money is tight, and consider the hungry children in the world as you complain about too many sweets tempting you. I would remind you, you are loved. God loves you.

Next time you walk or drive through a neighborhood, take a look at the mailboxes, and think, if you were a mailbox how would a passers-by describe you?

Merry Christmas :o)  Linda