Batteries Included

Back when I was seven, I watched cartoons every Saturday morning. Usually Garfield, the Smurfs and Looney Tunes were the shows to see- at least that’s what I can remember. Of course, each of these entertaining shows came with a set of commercials all geared to ME! And the Christmas purchasing season became very apparent as new toys advertised that latest gadget, fun accessory and sweet moves. Power Wheels always fascinated me, and since I didn’t learn to drive when I was twelve as others friends did since they lived on a ranch, I dreamt of having one. But at the same time I knew that dream was a Huge long shot so I aimed for other great gifts like games, ice skates, Simon and a Sega or Game boy. The last could have driven the Power Wheels to my bed, that’s how possible getting such a gift was in my family. But I dreamt- Sonic the Hedgehog dancing in my head.

The commercials confused me, too. I would always hear, “Batteries not included.” I use to think that meant the toy didn’t require batteries so I felt reassured that it might make Santa’s list for my house since there was less hassle. I don’t recall the moment it dawned on me that the not included meant not included but NEEDED. Oh. That’s silly. The toy isn’t complete in it’s package? Other parts are still necessary? Why sell something that is only half there, when the toy is better in the box because it can’t do anything there or can’t NOT doing anything too. In a box it was still a wrapped gift- inaccessible and unknown to its fullest capacity.

Just tonight it dawned on me that batteries WERE included in me, that’s how God packaged me and intended me to BE in the world. In fact, I’m the whole package just like this. The more I’m “played” with and taken for show and tell, the more real and known I am to the owner. Like in Toy Story, Andy gets to know how Woody moves and rides horses and reacts to a snake in his boot. And through the creative genius of that story, we get to see how a toy might come to know its owner. That’s important- to know God and for God to know us. He knows what he gets with each breath.

More importantly, though, is the reassurance and stamp of approval we have being a complete toy- the whole package. Some people might say that we’re missing something- the box falsely advertised. “This piece is broken.” “This piece is old and worn out.” “This isn’t good enough for me.” God did not, does not, and will not think that we were not made just right for him. He won’t say one day, “Oh, I need another one to replace this one.” Nor will he think, “If only this one had one more talent such as a beautiful singing voice, then she would be perfect.” He fashioned us as a whole package just as he had wanted. So with that we can throw off the wrapping paper and fling ourselves into the opportunities that God has made for us, each one unique and each one a Whole Package.