Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
I almost missed it, the doorway made of tangled vines and branches. Dapples of sunlight peeked out from the small opening, giving the place away. Intrigued, I crawled into a cathedral of tall pines, old-growth hardwoods, and stately poplars. The carpet of soft pine needles and damp leaves, newly exposed from the harsh winter, felt like velvet to my fingers. I inhaled deeply of the sweet aroma of poplar leaves and pinesap.
No one else seemed to know of that quiet sanctuary, so I returned many times. This enclave of beauty and mystery became my favorite place of solitude, my flowerless garden of prayer. An old log served as my chair and table. I never spoke out loud – only in whispers, for any sound would have destroyed the holy ambiance of the place.
Openings of any kind are interesting places to consider. In our houses, our openings are doors. When we leave them open, they become invitations for others—people or animals alike—to join us. Closed doors, conversely, keep us inside, safe from the weather, bugs and critters, and other intruders. But, for some, closed doors create prisons or places of secrecy. Doors can be either barriers or welcome mats, so to speak. Each one of us has the opportunity and the choice to open our doors at will. When friends or relatives or strangers visit, we may invite them in or we may decide to keep them out.
Jesus gives us this choice also. He said in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me." Notice that the choice is ours. He will not force His way into our lives or hearts.
The beauty and mystery of God’s quiet, holy sanctuary will become ours to enjoy once we open our heart's door and enter. Only those who have done so can possibly experience the indescribable peace and joy that fill those who enter and abide in His kingdom.
Lord, give us the desire to open the doors of our hearts to You so we can partake of all that You have in store for us. We long for Your love, Your joy and peace, the hope of eternal life through Your salvation, and the boundless riches of Your Kingdom today and forever. Compel us to keep our heart’s door open to those outside who also will have the opportunity to enjoy Your riches. In Jesus' name, amen.
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