LOST IN A ROOM

My younger sister is directionally challenged.  I am not saying she cannot get out of her driveway, but her finding the way back to said driveway is never a certainty.

We were talking about this and she said, “I can get lost in a room.”  Then we laughed.

Later my mind started turning that phrase over and over and …. That phrase was the topic at our last W W & W Discussion Group.  At first there was silence.  Finally, a look appeared in their eyes.  Then, the question:  What do you mean lost in a room?  I shrugged my shoulders.

The light bulbs started shining and the discussion began.

LOST IN A ROOM

How can anyone get lost in a room?  A room has walls and doors.  That should be easy to get in and out of.  But is it?  Everyone has rooms they get lost in.  Rooms they try to find.

ROOMS WE GET LOST IN:

Despair                  Depression                  Anger                          Hopelessness

Resentment           Frustration                   Distrust                       Joy

Worry                    Fear                             Anxiety                       ??

I bet you understand why all of these are on the list except Joy.  Joy, in this case, would be when you put on those rose colored glasses and fail to see the reality of the world around you.  Coming out of any of these rooms takes great courage.  A person, lost in these rooms, is blessed when they have someone to open the door and walk with them, as they learn a new way of living.

THOSE WALLS AND DOORS:  OPTIONS

Build taller walls                                       Tear down the walls

Lock the doors                                          Fling the door wide

Stay in the room                                        Find a way out

We do have options but they are not always easy.  Sometimes, sadly, the doors stay shut forever and the walls close in tighter and tighter.  The eyes and heart see no way out and the body does not have the strength to even nudge the door.  Sometimes, thankfully, the doors open and the walls crumble.  And the light gets in.

ROOMS WE TRY TO FIND:

Love                      Peace                           Calm                            Understanding

Healing                  Acceptance                 Answers                      Companionship

Wealth                   Comfort                      A Purpose                   ??

Do most of these make sense as things we try to find?  We all want love and calm and companionship and answers.  Does wealth belong on this list?  Somehow it seems out of place, but people try to find the room they think is important.

THOSE WALLS AND DOORS:  OPTIONS

Make sure it is the right room                   Enter or turn away

Find the key                                              Open the door or leave it closed

Go in

We all have options.  Sometimes it is as hard to enter a room as it is to leave one.

LOST IN A ROOM

Have I made you think?  Have you thought about rooms you have stayed in way too long because you could not find the way out?  Have you thought about rooms you would like to find? 

Do I have news for you!!!  You are not alone and there is one who will open the door for you and will walk beside you as you learn to leave behind fear and anger and hopelessness.  And those rooms you are looking for -- peace and calm and love?  My goodness!  He knows the way to those too. 

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me

Yup, Jesus knows you.  He can knock down walls and open doors.  He will get you out of those rooms you are lost in.  He will give you strength and courage.  He wants his sheep in the light, not shut in a room.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

Yup, Jesus knows the path to the rooms you are seeking.  And he knows which rooms you need to stay away from.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.

Yup, all you have to do is open the door.  Allow Jesus into your life and your life will change.

And go get the good china – you know the china you don’t use so you can pass down to your kids – because the last of that verse says Jesus wants to sit and eat with you.

Jesus, with his elbows on your table, leaning forward, looking you right in the eyes and saying, “Did you hear me when I said I love you?”

Now honestly --- DOESN'T THAT JUST BLOW YOUR MIND?