Knocking at the Dooars
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COLUMN: Field Notes
Knocking at the Dooars
by Michael E. Brooks
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If
anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and dine with him,
and he with me. Revelation 2:20
The Jaipalgari district in West Bengal, India, is
known locally as "the Dooars." This region lies in
the extreme northeast area of India, not far from
the countries of Bhutan, China, and Bangladesh.
Historically it was also near the tiny ancient
kingdoms of Sikkim, Assam, and Nagarland, all now
a part of India. This location made the region a
natural gateway or door into a variety of nations
and cultures, hence the nickname.
Life keeps all of us in proximity to a variety of
opportunities. We are presented with choices every
day. Some of these are material in nature,
involving jobs, education, recreation, health, and
similar physical matters. Other choices are
emotional or spiritual. These may include
relationships, attitudes, and religious or
philosophical beliefs. Every one of us lives
constantly at "the door", and every presented
choice demands a decision.
Jesus' invitation, expressed in Revelation 2:20,
is typical of our choices. We may accept it
immediately or refuse it. If we open the door, he
will enter. If we fail to open the door, he will
stay outside.
Notice that those are the only alternatives. It is
easy to be deceived into thinking that there is a
third option, that of delay. "Not now, but maybe
later" is the "decision" many wish to make. In
reality, however, it is plain that this is simply
a refusal. The door remains closed, and he stays
outside.
So it is with all our options. Opportunities
knock, and we must either accept or refuse them.
The state of Arkansas is filled with people who
now talk about their chance to invest with Sam
Walton back when Walmart was only a dream. Oh, if
they had only said yes. Stock may still be
purchased, but the opportunity for huge profit is
long passed.
Others "could have gone to college" and "made
something of themselves" but time has passed and
opportunity with it. I am reminded of the
quotation several years ago from a famous athlete,
known for his life of dissipation and consequent
poor health. "If I had known I was going to live
this long, I would have taken better care of
myself." Good choice, but way too late.
A favorite saying is, "Good memories have to be
arranged for in advance." Life is most rewarding
if we make our decisions promptly, while
opportunity exists, and if we make them based on
thoughtful consideration and proper priorities.
Decide now where you want your life to lead.
Evaluate every choice on the basis of those goals.
Open doors that lead in the right direction, and
open them at the right time.
We all live in "the Dooars." Let us take good
advantage of such a strategic location
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