Venturing out one morning, I found myself passing by a luxury department store while on an errand. Determined to avoid the usual crowds, I had risen earlier than usual that day. This store is renowned for offering high-end luxury designer pieces from a variety of popular designers so I did not mind having to pass through since that meant I would get to view all of the beautiful goods. As I strolled through the store, heading towards my destination, I couldn't help but notice several diligent employees diligently inventorying stock and sorting through boxes designated for their respective categories. Despite being luxury items, these goods were housed in unassuming cardboard boxes. While the boxes featured identifiers for delivery and sorting, there were none to reveal the contents or their value. I could only presume that the mere presence of an item in a fancy department store marked it as expensive.

Having also been in convenience stores during their unloading and inventory processes, I observed that the boxes there were eerily similar to those in the luxury department store. However, the stark difference lay in the contents. The exteriors of these boxes were crafted to safeguard their contents until they were unloaded, revealing everyday items like candy, cookies, and other everyday delights. Consider your foundation (or box) as your compass and influencing your life's direction. The ultimate goal is to fill your "box" with substance, ensuring that as you journey through life, you end up at the right destination. Much like the mystery concealed within an unopened box, the true value of luxury goods remains unknown until that box is opened, revealing its worth. In life, too, the significance of our endeavors and choices may not be immediately apparent. It is through exploration and introspection that we uncover the richness of our experiences and their true value. As we all prepare to close out one year, let's take inventory or our box and contents.