The Door

I am the queen of looking for new opportunity. Always finding ways to improve, to add value to and simply create something fresh.

This brings me to the question - How did the door become a symbol for opportunity?

When I do a quick search on "opportunity" quotes - somehow, some way - the door is always present:

"If God shuts one door, He opens another." ~Irish Proverb

"Teachers open the doors, but you must enter by yourself." ~Chinese Proverb

"Even when opportunity knocks, a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door." ~ Anonymous

"Learn to listen. Opportunity could be knocking at your door very softly." ~ Anonymous

What is interesting, I have always been impressed with doors. I remember as a child taking a tour of the Hay House in Macon, Georgia. 

 I was in the 3rd grade. The one fact that impressed me more than anything was the information about the door. I can't remember specifics, but I do remember that it was made out of something really expensive and weighed a ton. Again, I tried to research the data online, and could not find the details. But know, that even as an adult - those doors are impressive. The tour itself starts out on the front porch and is about the doors.

As a child, I always wanted to see what was on the other side of those doors - and knew it would impress me. Great wealth, in a way I had never seen before.

The doors of my home church were always intimidating. Large, wooden, bold - and what you saw once you opened the door was such an amazing scene - it left you breathless with beauty. I know once I enter, I am truly in a sacred space. You feel as if you are entering another era, and the presence of God is very close.

Then there are the red doors on people's home. I always wanted a house with a red door. I like the whole idea of why they are painted red - in Chinese tradition, it brings good luck and happiness. In Ireland, it wards off evil spirits. What a symbolic way to decorate your home.

Another important door are the doors in a hospital. How many times have you sat in a waiting room, just waiting on word from the doctor. Just staring down the door until someone comes through those doors. Maybe you are waiting on a loved one to give birth, or to hear whether a surgery went well.

Then there is the door of your very home - as you patiently wait for your loved ones to return from a long trip, or your teenager to make it home after a date. You watch and you wait.

My heart always feels lighter when I hear the egyptian come through the door. He is safe, he is home - all is well. 

How about the happy feeling you get when you are throwing a party and suddenly the first guests ring the door bell? Everything you have been planning is about to come together.

At work, if I am at an event, I am constantly watching the door - waiting and hoping TV cameras will suddenly appear.

The door - it is such a display of powerful. Of the unknown.. of the new adventures or adversities to face...

As for a door of opportunity - that is my favorite door of all. I have not crossed the threshold of any new adventures on the horizon recently, but it is definitely one I always hope to stumble upon.