Amber Staehle: Reflections on the Power of Open Doors

In this essay, Director of Christian Education and Family Life Amber Staehle reflects on the importance of keeping your heart open. 

I try my best to have an open-door policy. If I have time, it is yours. Sure, sometimes the visit is extended; other times, it may be brief but Spirit-filled. The door to my office, and even to our home, is a symbol of my heart, but it wasn’t always that way.   

Have you ever hidden from the doorbell? What about when someone unexpectedly knocks, did you groan or beg someone else to answer it? Did you even know who it was or what they needed? I did all these things! My sister and I crawled across the floor, using only hand signals and whispers to communicate if we had an unexpected visitor. If our parents told us to answer it, we would only crack the door open because ‘who do they think they are bothering us right now?’  

Several years ago, I noticed something for the first time. On our family walk, a nearby neighboring house had no front door. In fact, no door in sight! Not on the front or even the sides of the house! They simply use the garage to get into their home….and it has broken my heart ever since. To see a home without the invitation of a door left me wondering, ‘how could someone get to them in an emergency,’ or even ‘do they want to avoid the world this much?’ It certainly left me reflecting on my experiences and how unwelcoming I once was also.   

As we say goodbye and hello, be sure to leave the door to your heart wide open. Your spirit and light strengthen our shepherds. Be encouraged when you are called by friends or neighbors. Find joy when someone needs your help or has a question. Uncover your patience when it feels like you don’t have time; God’s children are all around you.      

Love and Blessings,   
Amber Staehle   
Director of Christian Education and Family Life