Open the Door

march brenda door

I can’t believe it has been almost a year. A year since my son and daughter-in-love moved from Houston to Minneapolis. When Zach went on the job interview last February, I never dreamed he might actually accept the offer.

Zach and Lauren were expecting their first child June 1. The first grand baby on both sides. And all the grandparents lived in Texas. Surely they wouldn’t do that to us!

On April 12, 2014, Lauren and I flew to Minneapolis, while Zach followed the moving van. I immediately fell in love with the picturesque community and felt better about the relocation. The lakes were actually thawing out, and from a visit years ago, knew the summer would be gorgeous.

Little Caroline made her debut 3 weeks early, so that caught everyone off guard. But God orchestrated the logistics and both of us grandmothers were able to hop on a plane and arrive before she did. That flight on May 14th was only the beginning of many treks up north.

Being retired, I have the luxury of time to visit often. But it has become more than just traveling to see Caroline. Yes, Zach and Lauren’s move to Minneapolis has had a silver lining to it.

Had they remained in Houston, I never would have camped out at their home. I would have gone for a few hours here and there to babysit and help. Maybe spend the night so Zach and Lauren could have a whole evening off. But staying in their Minneapolis home, for days at a time, allowed for so much more!

When our kids marry, we lose touch with their every day activites. That’s how it’s supposed to be, as we are reminded in Genesis 2:24:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined (cleave) to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Please understand—I am not talking about over staying my welcome. However, I am saying that being under their roof has given me glimpses of their lives I might have otherwise missed, such as:

The joy of watching my son bathe his daughter when he came home at night.

Witnessing him clean the kitchen after dinner. (A very pleasant surprise.)

Shedding happy tears from my bedroom, listening to Zach talk to Caroline before leaving for work.

My visits have also allowed me to spend quality time with Lauren, watching her blossom into an amazing mom, efficiently taking care of the house and baby, day in and day out. Even though she has been in my son’s life and mine for 15 years (they were high school sweet hearts and married after college), I had never spent “days” with her, except on family vacations. I have loved her unconditionally because she loves my son. Now, we have developed a special friendship, mutual respect and sincere appreciation for each other.

“Doing life” together is important to fostering strong relationships. Isn’t that also what Jesus wants? Doesn’t He want to do life with us?

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”  (Rev 3:20)

My son and daughter-in-love have opened the doors of their hearts to me. In the intimacy of their home, we have grown closer and strengthened our relationships. Yes, there has been a silver lining to their move (but I still pray they get back to Texas).

My computer dictionary defines silver lining as “a hopeful or comforting prospect in the midst of difficulty.” For those of us who have heard the knock and opened the door of our hearts to Jesus, we have secured the promise of a constant “silver lining” in our lives, regardless of the circumstances. We have His promise of hope. Forgiveness. Peace. His Presence. Eternal life. And the list goes on…

I must travel to Minneapolis to spend time with Zach, Lauren and Caroline, but the trip is so worth it. However, I don’t have to go anywhere to be with my friend Jesus. All, I have to do is get up and open the door.

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