23 June, 2008

Seeing doors

Doors fascinate me. In Herrnhut and the surrounding region there are some fabulous thick hand carved doors and gateways. Some set in stone frames, some just rotting away; a pale reflection of the wealth and rich craftsmanship that once thrived here.

But there are also many simple doors to be seen. Some that are easily noticed. Some that are tucked away. In shadowy alleyways or forgotten corners. Some with locks on. Some with old handles and clasps. Some just hanging in their frames.

Jesus spoke about doors. He holds open the door of eternal life to us. He is that gateway for us. The Bible also tells us of the door of hope in the valley of trouble or despair. It`s always there. There is always a way forward, but sometimes we have to look for it. Sometimes we are looking for a door that looks different to the one we actually need.

Often we focus on wanting particular doors to open for us. But sometimes I wonder if we miss our way or waste our energy because we are looking to the wrong door. I believe that one of the secrets to seeing doors open in your life has as much to do with being open minded about which door is the right door for now, as it does with actually seeing a particular door open.

When I feel hemmed in in a particular area and I know that I need to see progress or for something to open up, I start asking where the door is that I don`t yet see. Part of the adventure with Jesus is that the humblest looking doors contain the most breathtaking journeys. Kind of like not being able to judge a book by it`s cover.

It all comes back to learning to see things from God`s perspective and not our own.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7