By Marty Coffin Evans
The doors to 2019 have closed. Now’s the time to choose a door, or one of many, to open in 2020. Which one or ones will they be?
Quotations about doors abound from the humorous to more serious, philosophical or even spiritual. Some quotations can be found above door frames, etched or carved into them.
With every door, a choice exists. Be patient; carefully open the door. Signs can encourage or discourage physically as well as emotionally– open/closed, come in/go away.
Like life, doors have their own cycles. From the beginning, the first door very likely is the hospital. These slide open when families and friends step outside to a new chapter.
Opening the doors to school, regardless the number of years spent 12, 14, 16, provides a lifelong learning opportunity. As further education and training are acquired, more doors open.
Securing that first job requires opening a door. On occasion someone will “open the door” helping the applicant secure an interview or, perhaps, the position.
As life progresses, doors into churches, synagogues or other places of worship open possibly for a wedding. Literal and figurative doors open with the speaking of “I do.”
Placing a key into the lock of a new home opens the door to new beginnings. Over time, as the years go by, these keys may be exchanged for other doors in different locations. Some doors and dwellings will be larger, others smaller if downsizing occurs.
Along the way, doors of forgiveness or reconciliation may need opening. Helping to open doors shut during times of ill health or mourning can enable others to provide care and support.
Volunteering opens doors to giving to others along with the possibility of making new friends. Having the opportunity for different experiences also exists.
Marty Coffin Evans
Through some of the bumps in life’s road, “encouraging words” most likely have been offered. Their sentiments range from “when one door closes, another opens,” if one door doesn’t open, try another,” or “beating at the door won’t help.”
Author Flora Whittemore notes, “The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” Best wishes as you open the doors to this New Year.