Revolving Doors

by   March 2, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

What comes to mind when you envision a revolving door? For many, these doors are portals, evoking childlike wonder – well, unless you are an impatient business person needing to get into or out of your building and get stuck in one in such awe.

Or your mind could go to something more jaded, considering the many businesses whose employee retention looks like an ever-rotating system of revolving doors. Gone are the days of young employees entering a small business and staying with a sense of loyalty and hope of slowly moving up the ladder. Today, any discomfort or challenge is reason enough to leave even a good company.

Many times in life, we often look at proverbial closed doors as securely locked, vaulted doors that prohibit future access. How frequently have you encountered a young, green student considering a college, a job opportunity, or an internship who sounds dejected because currently all positions are filled? It happens more frequently than likely expressed. But wisdom and time remind the seasoned that often spaces open up – someone’s life drastically changes due to a death in the family or an illness, a better opportunity presents itself for them, or they are not a good fit for an establishment. The list can go on with the vast number of situations that are unique to each individual. The persistent young heart sees these once-closed doors for what they are – a revolving door of opportunity. 

It is not limited to the young either. Even this week, I had a relaxed meeting with a friend sharing the blessing of an ideally suited job that blessed her family and became available to her because a spot opened up – one that seemed securely locked in for another. After months of thinking the door was closed, she felt a nudge to pursue the position. A revolving door made space for her. 

Are you feeling dejected because the path that seemed so sure for you seems blocked? Perhaps God is working in the life of the person currently occupying your seat. They have a journey, as well. While I am not suggesting that you pray they are fired or something bad happens to them, perhaps you can pray that God’s will be done in their life and yours. Pray they can see where God is leading them or whether or not they are suited for the position or path. Pray that the one over the position (an employer, a guide, a trainer, etc.) can quickly assess this person and their gifting and challenges and how they fit within the company, ministry, organization, or team. 

Do you see the dimmed eyes of a once-hopeful pursuer of a dream? Encourage them to keep dreaming and practice the art of persistence and growth. 

The door may be revolving.

Ashlie Miller and her family live in Concord, NC. You can email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Peace & Rest

by   March 1, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I sat outside and ate my lunch today. A week ago we had snow on the ground. I have heard it said so many times, if you don’t like the weather in NC then give it a couple of days and things will change. The only time I don’t think that is true is during summer. We can have some long streaks of hazy, hot, and humid weather.

            I enjoyed last week’s snow. My fellow snow-lovers got to enjoy watching it fall on two different days. Others were glad at how quickly it was gone. I went out for two walks while it was snowing. One of the things I love is how peaceful it is when it is snowing. The snow muffles sound and creates a beautiful bubble of peacefulness.

            The truth is my plate was feeling a bit full the last couple of weeks. I was constantly watching the storm’s progress on the weather models. I was preparing for some speaking engagements in the community. I was trying to get extra things done around the house. I wasn’t getting proper rest or exercise. I was beginning to feel a little anxious. 

            Being enveloped in the peacefulness of that snowfall calmed my mind and spirit. I was so happy to see the snow. My friends and family were checking with me to make sure it was snowing at my house. My joy was overflowing. The snow reduced my anxiousness and helped to restore my peace.

            I took some pictures of the snow. I loved seeing the flowers poking through the snow. Our daffodils weren’t blooming in the snow, but they sure are putting on a show today. I have some other spring bulbs that are budding. The pansies and violas look great. I guess I am feeling torn by the desire to see more snow and the hope of watching spring unfold and bring its beauty. I know most people are looking forward to spring.

            I have been thinking about the peacefulness I experienced walking in the snow. We live in a loud world. Cars and trucks are humming down the road. There is the sound of lawn mowers and leaf blowers. There were some chainsaws running in our community after the recent storms. There always seems to be noise and distractions. On top of everything else, our thoughts can clamber for attention, disturbing our peacefulness.

            I find myself hungry for the peace that surpasses all understanding. The troubles and problems of this world ebb and flow in our lives like the waves on the shore. When a wave of problems rolls in what do we do? We can all feel overwhelmed by life’s problems. We can even find ourselves wondering where this elusive peace can be found.

            I believe part of the problem is that we are looking to ourselves to solve life’s problems. While God does expect us to deal with life’s issues, He wants us to look to Him for wisdom and guidance. This is where it gets sticky. We have to learn to trust Him. His solutions are not the way we would handle them. His ways are not our ways. The peace we are looking for will only come when we are willing to lay down our ways and walk in His.

            Our lives are His. Our homes are His. Our cars are His. Our kids are His. Our church is His. Our jobs have been assigned to us by Him. All our money is His. When we begin to see that everything in our lives, including our schedules, belongs to Him then we can turn all those things over to Him. He will direct us. He will guide us. He will watch over us. He will help us find peace even when circumstances seem impossible because we can trust that He is in control.

            If you find yourself lacking peace of mind, I want to encourage you to run to Him, seek His face, and give everything to Him. We can live in peace in spite of our circumstances if we will trust Him with every area of our lives. Don’t think that I have this mastered, I find myself struggling too. I want to live in His peace, but I find the world crowding in. The peacefulness I experienced while walking in the snow stirred this desire in me that I know He will satisfy. When we choose to walk with Him and follow His leading we will discover His peace. In the good times and when problems are rolling in, we can live in His perfect peace.  

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

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