I stood there for what seemed to be an eternity, contemplating, fearful, with beads of perspiration building on my forehead. My hand was on the door knob. A simple turn of the handle and I could glimpse across the threshold, but yet the unknown was paralyzing, and it made it impossible for me to take the next step. Then without warning, I heard the deadbolt engage. The opportunity passed.
How many times in life do we pass up opportunities to move forward? How often have we missed out on the opportunity to make a positive change in our life, our career, our relationships? We often sell ourselves short. We underestimate our abilities, our talents. Opportunities exist all around us. Any new journey consists of certain risks, but we'll never really know our true potential unless we are willing to pursue our goals, to turn the handle of the door that is before us, and take that step across the threshold.
I think about my own career. Going back to 1976, I began studying to become a minister. In 1977 I found out my Wife was having an affair. Our marriage ended, and so did my dream to become a minister. Three years later I remarried (We just celebrated 30 years) In 1982 I enrolled in college, and began studying music. I averaged a 4.0 average, but I sensed I was heading in the wrong direction. I dropped out of college for one semester to think and pray about my life, and I asked for open doors. The followinbg semester I re-enrolled and 4 years later I had earned my Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology. After graduation I worked in that capacity for approximately 5 years. I once again felt led in another direction, and I once again prayed for open doors, a leading, and in 1992 I enrolled in nursing school. My initial desire was Elementarry Education however, my Wife encouraged me to consider nursing. In 1996 I graduated from nursing school and successfully passed my State Boards. I have been a practicing RN now for almost 15 years. I am content, I feel as though I have found my place of service. If I feel the lead again, yes, I will turn the knob on the door that I find before me. As I look back, each change, each step was a building block. I say all this to encourage others to consider the opoprtuities when they present themselves, but it does require that one difficult step.
Nice shot and an even better story. This is a good reminder, it is so easy to just keep trudging along a path that may not even be heading in the right direction. Thanks Rick
Wonderful picture...and even more beautiful is all the different directions that your life has gone. It's difficult to know what is the best decision sometimes until you try...and just see what happens. Thank you for sharing this.
Amen to Sue's comment. I believe every door we walk through is an opportunity to teach us something about ourselves and God. Some doors may feel like a mistake but they still instruct if we're open. It sounds like each door was getting you ready to be a great RN. My guess is that as you're ministering to a persons physical needs you're also ministering to their soul.
Funny how we can't see how we are led till we are on the other side of that door looking back. Your story is a reminder to us that we are all led, and all things always work together for the good of all things. I can tell that you are a very compasionate and understanding person (probably through your own experiences) and loved by all your patients. Thank you for sharing. That door is awesome. probably a photo in there somewhere, and processed brilliantly!
Rick....yet another photo, and essay that makes me step back, and ponder. I love this door, and the bricks. You processed it brilliantly! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Your pictures and words are always inspirational. I'm very impressed.
I think of life as a journey, and sometimes it takes awhile to get the direction right.
That's sooo very true. Love your illustrated words (I think that is what I'm going to call it if you don't mind. I think you could do an illustrated book with what you've done here.)
Wonderful that you let the Lord lead you and that you're not afraid of change, wonderful to have a supportive wife, wonderful photo, wonderful words. Wonderful!
I marked this as a favorite, not only because it's such a beautiful photo, but because of the story that goes along with it. What a wonderful story you shared with us! We all need to be a little less afraid to open that door. I think we have all seen that door! On the other side of my door right now is a photography business. I have no courage or confidence in myself though to open it just yet.
What a thought provoking and introspective caption you wrote...as you always do it so well! You would have made a wonderful minister, I believe, as you would have written marvelous sermons! Now your talent, still there, speaks to a world-wide audience. I happily look at my past and see the continuity of a thread that began with an interest in art back in high school. I've pursued it in a number of ways and directions, but I never lost that central drive. Ken teasingly calls these directions my "phases", and when one is done, I pick up another. There's always something new waiting, I agree!
Life certainly is a journey, and if we're not willing to at least test those door handles we'll just end up being left at home. Lovely photo and wonderful words to accompany!
beautiful shot, and such a compelling caption. wow, rick--i really loved hearing that testimony of how God has directed your path. as always, He uses our pain to grow us into the person He created us to be. and don't think for one minute that you didn't become that minister--the way you care for your residents, as well as the way you encourage and bless all of us here on 365 is most assuredly 'ministering'!!
I love the picture and definitely love the story more. Thank you for sharing this. You have had such a wonderful journey... very inspiring. God bless : )
I think of life as a journey, and sometimes it takes awhile to get the direction right.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, well this one sure is!
Thank you for your inspiration.
Thank you for this one!