Doors

by John Papa

In every life, there are doors that stand before us. Everyone has a different number of them.Some we eagerly run through, while others we approach with hesitation, knowing that once we cross the threshold, life will never be quite the same again. These doors represent the decisions,seasons, transitions, and defining moments that shape who we become.

The door of childhood slowly closes and gives way to teenage years. Changes in the physical body, friendships, and desires. The next door into adulthood puts childish things away.One day we are carefree, protected by the guidance of parents and the simplicity of youth, and before we realize it, responsibilities, decisions, and expectations begin to rest upon our own shoulders. We cannot return to the innocence of childhood; that door has closed, and another has opened. This one will be with us the rest of our lives.

Another door closes when we leave the familiar comforts of home. Another door is occupation, if there is a profession in mind. The store has a long, long trail for a major part of your life. There are things that can throw this off, such as moving far away from your plant or technology or there are any other factors. Whether for marriage, work, education, or simply the journey of life, there comes a moment when the place that once centered our world is no longer our daily dwelling. The memories remain, but life calls us forward into something new. Now to make decisions for yourself that will affect the rest of your life. These are automatic and we really have no control over when they will happen now we assume some control.

There are doors that open when we marry. A season of singleness comes to an end, and a new chapter begins. Two lives, once traveling separate paths, become joined together. New responsibilities, new joys, and new challenges await on the other side of that doorway. The future is no longer built around one person, but around a shared life. This opens many other doors as usual will see. Most people experience the next door as parenthood. There are doors associated with parenthood. The day a child is born changes everything. Dreams, priorities, and even the way we view the world are transformed. A new chapter opens, filled with both blessings and sacrifices that can scarcely be understood beforehand. Usually this is a joint venture. When entering it looks like no other door because it is like walking into a room that is totally without light. In this room, it is learning as you go. Realize this store will never close. It will be open for the rest of your life. You try to do the best that you can in the dark, but you will make good decisions and hopefully not feel bad. In the dark, you will hear your voices I want to help telling you to do different things. It is up to you to decide whether you should listen or not.

Now there is a door that opens automatically. It is the day-to-day life. You will experience for many many years. Things like babies first steps, first tooth, first day of school and later the first day they leave home. Another door that you may not want to open this forced upon you. The loss of a job and profession can derail your life. Reducing income and lifestyle change can put you into a tailspin.

And there is a door later in life, which is retirement. When the rewards of life and having time to enjoy things missed in the usual hustle and bustle of life. You may think this is the last door, but there are others that can derail all your plans. Some you may be able to avoid and others will be in front of you that you will have to open such as…

Divorce – which tears out your heart

Loss – of a parent, spouse, child that burden you will carry.

Bad decision – they tried to haunt you as you feel depressed.

And there is one door that you can open today that will change everything you do from this point on. It is the door to Jesus because he says "I stand at the door and knock Colon if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20