Wednesday, April 2, 2008

My dear God,

Opening doors. I think I have come to the conclusion that ministry is about opening doors. Doors that have been locked for a long time. Doors that have been chained. Doors that are stuck. Doors that are falling off their hinges. Doors that could be swinging open.

I think there are a lot of closed doors in the world. Doors closed to keep us safe, or so we think. Doors that have been permanently shut are doors that hide secrets or keep us from growing. What lingers behind closed doors?

As I assist people in opening doors, I see the signs of a new beginning. Open doors can provide the means by which the past can finally be released, the future welcomed in. Open doors can bring sunshine to a dark and ominous past. Open doors can lead to wondrous new places where the familiar has to step aside for a new unfamiliar adventure. Open doors can lead to a new level of faith and peace, hope too.

Last November on the desert mountain, I opened a door to you. Of course, you helped me because I could never have swung it open without you. The bitterness that had been jammed behind my closed door was released, let go, surrendered. The space left empty by the bitterness was so huge a cavern that I have been inviting the new into its place. A deeper kind of joy, a more hopeful faith, a lighter, airy disposition have all gained space inside.

Some doors are scary. Approaching these doors takes energy and trust. I know that every door must certainly be opened at some point so your light can warm or clean, or provide an entry for a new life.

I remember on my renewal I took a lot of pictures of closed doors. Beautiful, old doors. I have always had an interest in doors. In fact I could do a series of notecards on doors alone. Perhaps my interest has been piqued because I know there are great surprises behind the doors. On my journey and so many journeys before you have opened doors to me, doors that lead me to renewal, hope, trust and joy. And I will never forget the awesome beauty.

Open every door,
dear God,
every door
that is closed
to you.
Open the doors
of my heart,
my soul and spirit,
my mind.
Make an entryway
for you.
Open me
to your ways,
your thoughts,
your purpose.
Make my life
an open door,
one that leads
to devotion,
purity,
and love.
Who knows
what I will find?

Love, Andrea