The door opened and closed with a bang thousands of times. One day an angry son left the house and crashed the door shut so hard that the hinge came loose. When he tried to re-enter, the door wouldn’t open.
“What’s the matter with this door?” he shouted. “Someone let me in.”
“Now, you’ve done it,” said his mother.
“The door isn’t broken,” said the boy, “it is just the hinge.”
“Well, I can’t get it open,” said the mother. “You’ll have to wait until your father gets home.”
“You push and I’ll pull,” said the boy, “and we will get the door open.”
They succeeded in opening the door with a struggle and also closed the door with a struggle. “You wouldn’t think one little hinge would make such a difference,” said the boy.
It is true that the doorways of life hinge on important matters, which we often take for granted. Christmas hinges on the birth of Christ, but much of society takes Jesus for granted.
Democracy hinges on the respect for the rights of every individual. Many take these rights for granted, while at the same time denying the privileges to others. Christmas, democracy, the Church, the school, the home, and all good things are short changed by millions of people who ignore the hinges which swing the doors through which they come and go.
God’s love makes us aware of the many blessings God provides to us through others. God’s greatest gift is the gift of love for it makes us aware of all that is good in our world. Jesus is the greatest hinge in all of history.
Some are wise enough to appreciate the things on which life hinges. The boy learned the value of the hinge the hard way.
Thanks to Ann H for the photo.
What are the important hinges in YOUR life that keep YOU and others going?
PRAY, THEN LET IT GO! DON’T TRY TO MANIPULATE OR FORCE THE OUTCOME. TRUST GOD TO OPEN THE RIGHT DOORS AT THE RIGHT TIME!!
For a number of years here in Fort Lauderdale I had the pleasure of going out to breakfast once a week after mass with four wonderful, lively women who were a few years older and wiser than myself. It has been difficult for me and the others, as each one of them has passed away.
Shirley Sharkey at 97 years of age was the last one of our Breakfast Club women to pass away a week ago. She and I still went out to breakfast until a few months ago even though the other ladies had passed away. She was always interested on a full report on the work I have been doing in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. And she was a faithful supporter.
Shirley was a delight. She was from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and she and her twin sister Charlotte broke the glass ceilings many years ago by getting college degrees. Shirley raised 8 children and had 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was like an Archangel to her family and to others, caring and nurturing everyone. In the more than 20 years I knew her, she tried to go to mass every day and prayed throughout her day.
Whether Shirley met you 50 years ago or a week ago, you were her friend. I can honestly say, she rarely had a bad word to say about anyone, even politicians, no matter their political party. She always tried to point out the good qualities in a person, no matter who they were. A rare find!
When I started publishing Treats for the Soul 5 years ago, Shirley, then at age 92, figured out how to read them on her I-pad every day. I’ve lost a Treats for the Soul faithful reader at 97 and a dear, dear friend. I’m sure Shirley is now spreading her wings as an Archangel in her new home with Jesus. Blessings forever, Shirley!!
