Pondering ...the packaging

Although we don't tend to think about it very often, the packaging is really the very first thing we notice about everything - from a person to a present,  That doesn't necessarily mean we make a negative or positive judgement, but we certainly do make an observation. Let's pause for a minute today to notice the packaging, the outward, surface exterior of the Winter Symbols rosary.

First, you can see that there are 2 colors on the box, blue and white. Since this rosary is to aid in pondering with Mary through the winter months, it makes sense that the colors reflect winter.  The blue is reminiscent of those wonderful blue winter skies, when there are no clouds and the winter sun shines down and sparkles off the glistening snow.

The color white is seen in the snowflakes on the box. We know that somehow, miraculously, each snowflake is unique. How nature can accomplish this feat seems mindboggling, yet it occurs again in nature in people.  We see this same ability of the unique and irreplaceable in the creation of each person.  For this reason, snowflakes are often used as a symbol of individual persons. Just as no two snowflakes are identical, so also no two people are the same. 

Ponder: Before taking the rosary out of the box, pause a moment and imagine one of those calm, even serene, snowy winter days with startling blue skies, and the sun reflecting off of snowy fields.  Now move in closer and realize that those fields of snow are all comprised of single, unique, irreplaceable and individual snowflakes.  Using the snowflakes on the box as a guide, spend a few moments noticing each individual design of the snowflakes. Which do you like the most?  How do they differ?  How are they the same?

Next, think of each of the precious, treasured people in your life. What makes each of them unique?  What unifies them?  If you journal, write down the names of these people, and perhape draw a circle or bubble around them.  List all the things that you love about them.  Don't forget to include yourself in this list!  What do you like about yourself?  What do you feel adds to your snowflake sparkle?

Now, you are ready to open the box and ponder with Mary, bringing all these people, including yourself, with all of their gifts and uniqueness, with you on your prayer journey. 

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