Throw Open the Door

My early years were spent in a three generation home. My paternal Grandparents came from the Netherlands in 1914. My grandmother, Janet, was pregnant with my father, Peter,and I am positive that the crossing by ship was not a pleasant experience for her. She did however, have her first son, Frank, a toddler, to keep her busy while trying to ignore her discomfort. This grandmother was an incredible influence on my life. Her husband, my grandfather, William, died before I was born and my grandmother came to live with us. It was during World War II when my dad was overseas and my mom worked, that day to day care of my sister and I was left to my Granny.
This was the beginning of my grandmother's great influence on my life. Granny is mentioned several times in this book and is someone who deserves recognition as the incredible woman she never thought she was. She was an ordinary everyday woman but special in many ways.
Many interesting people were brought into my life because of my grandmother.
My grandmother had a dear friend, (from the old country, that's what they called it), who she visited often. My sister and I would often accompany her on these visits. This friend, and her husband along with four boys, were a hard working farm family, but I remember laughter, singing and good food was always a part of that large farm house atmosphere.
There were many rooms in the house but one was never used when I was present. It was called "the parlor." It was closed off and only used for special company, I was told. Many people came and went in that house but none were seated in the parlor. Who, I wondered, was special enough that the sheets would come off the furniture and they would be allowed to sit in the parlor. Today, because I know that special person, I wonder if they were waiting for that special someone who is eager for us to open the door. Because church was not something I heard mentioned, I wondered If they knew who they were waiting for.
For most of us, our front doors open into the living area and our friends are invited to sit and visit. We hesitate if a stranger is at the door. If the Lord is waiting at your door, if He is the one knocking, do you see Him as a friend or as a stranger. There is nothing between you and Him except the door, and He is knocking. OPEN THE DOOR--- LET HIM IN!