Doors

Zion National Park

I think it is interesting how different people see and approach things differently.  I was looking at something - either on Youtube or Instagram the other day.  The picture was of a lovely door in a garden - the door was closed.  The poster said that it symbolized the future - how through the door was what was next.

You might see it that way.  Or you might see a closed door.  A door that blocks the way - an obstacle - or a barrier to inclusiveness.

I think we need to keep in mind that how we see something is not how everyone would see it. A door communicates something to everyone. It might be an invitation to what is beyond or a locked door.  I think we would all see it differently.  What is in our churches that we, who are the insiders, see one way, and those who are outside see another way. 

And it really doesn't matter what we intend. Other people's perceptions are their reality. It's useless of us to blame them for "misinterpreting."

I think it is helpful to visit other churches and look around. See what you see. Is there anything you see that gives you ideas about what your church is "saying" to those who visit?