Doors are pretty important. Can you imagine how hard it would be to keep the cold, wind and dirt out if we didn't have doors? There are doors made of wood and steel. Some have special qualities and features that make them better insulated or perfect for particular climates. I am partial to beautiful wood doors, but they are not always practical.
"When one door closes, another one opens. Other than that, it's a pretty good car."
This quote makes me laugh. Thank you Tim Perkins for sharing. Tim is an old friend and a great encourager.
Doors can be unexpected. Sometimes, one door closes and another opens. The old saying is true. Doors, with windows, allow us to anticipate what is on the other side, but most doors don't have windows. We are forced to trust. We choose to open the door or remain ignorant of what is on the other side.
Doors help create a sense of safety. They keep danger out. They allow us to escape when something inside becomes threatening, like smoke or fire. The value of a door is somewhat determined by what we need.
In the old Clifton Congregational Church, there was a beautiful stained glass window. I portrayed Jesus knocking on a door. Dad always loved the window. I imagine he spent many hours staring at it as a child, waiting for the Sunday morning service to end. His favorite part of the image was the fact the door had no doorknob. It had to be opened from the inside. I remember Dad saying that the artist didn't forget it. It was intentional. He said, "Jesus will never force his way into your life. He gently knocks. You have to open the door from the inside and invite Him into your heart."
The scriptures remind us to keep knocking on His door, too. Relationships require time together. Persistence and patience as we pursue the prize makes all the difference.
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." Luke 11:9
In the ancient Jewish wedding traditions, the bridegroom would go to the bride to claim her. She had to wait. She didn't know exactly when he would come. Her role was to be ready. It required planning and patience. Imagine the excitement when the day actually arrived. Imagine the excitement when her groom knocked on the door. " Do we wait with eager anticipation for Christ to knock? Do we make him wait or do we respond with the excitement of an eager bride? Do we seek to know His heart and find ourselves eagerly waiting at the door?
Today, I am grateful for doors.
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