Opening A Door

Tears streamed down her face. How could a few chapters of a book pierce her to the core, open a door to a locked room she knew not existed? How could this be? And what would she, could she do about it? At this moment in time…nothing. Her life path was chosen, ruts worn deep. No way to climb out of them, or so it seemed.

This new revelation would take time to mull. It was hard and deep, pulling up regrets, painful reminders of things lost, never to be regained. Even so, much had been received in good measure. Blessings were abundant. Yet, grief welled up, and demanded attention for who knew how long.

“Let me remember all Your filling, LORD, and not just the closed doors as I finish out my days. I am thankful for all You’ve given…my cup overflowing, not drained dry.”

She finished the book with a sigh, and sat stunned in the quiet. After puttering with a few things on her desk, reminding herself to live in the moment, she grabbed several projects-in-process, and wandered to the living room. Just after 6:00 p.m. Maybe there would be an inspiring movie to watch. It seemed learning to be an observer over the years brought her to this place of watching and waiting.

Somewhere along the way her verve for life had dimmed, along with her years. Was it the loss of family involvement, less volunteer work, her own content to enjoy peacefulness in a chaotic world? Was this how her mother felt as she aged, less the hub of family as she once had been? It was weird and painful and poignant, all rolled into a ball of mystery. Not frightening. Just a point in time where she could do nothing but…watch and wait…before knowing how to proceed.

Life review was a trip. Really. A journey through all the things, places, decisions, wondering about the roads not traveled, and how all the choices landed her where she was today. Normal, aging stuff. Yet disconcerting in many ways. When would her body fail? Had she neglected it? Was there time to change? Did she even care?

She clicked on the TV. Thankful for a family friendly movie, she slid into its safe pond of fantasy and happy endings to let her mind and emotions mull and steep, as the truth began to percolate to the top. Her heart, raw with emotion, quietly bled.

“All things work together for the good of those who love God,” the movie character exclaimed. That was no fantasy! The door of Truth remained open. Just what she needed to hear. Resolution would come eventually. This pain was but the creak of a rusted door opening another hidden place to the light of healing. Somehow a broken place was about to be mended.

~~~

LORD, thank You for never failing us, even when we feel uncertain, unsure, or wondering how our life measures. Thank You for Your redeeming Love, the hope given through Your promises, and the assurance of Your saving grace through Your death on the cross for our sins. For working all things for the good of those who are called according to Your purposes. Help us to rely on You, LORD. To seek to learn all You are teaching us through life’s trials, trusting You never lead us astray. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Revelation 3:20 NKJV “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

John 14:26 NKJV “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”