Samuel Shoemaker (1893-1963) was an Episcopal priest who clearly understood his personal mission in life. Shoemaker was instrumental in the Alcoholics Anonymous movement, and wrote the following,
I stand by the door,
I neither go too far in, nor stay too far out,
The door is the most important door in the world–
It is the door through which men (and women) walk when they find God.
There’s no use by going way inside, and staying there,
When so many are still outside and they, as much as I,
Crave to know where the door is.
…The most tremendous thing in the world
Is for men (and women) to find that door–the door to God.
The most important thing any man (or woman) can do
Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands.
And put it on the latch–the latch that only clicks
And opens to man’s own touch.
…So I stand by the door and wait.
for those who seek it.
“I’d rather be a door-keeper…” So I stand by the door.
From The Life God Blesses–weathering the storms of life that threaten the soul, by Gordon MacDonald (Parentheses mine!)
Let’s meet at the Door!
Ken
downtownpastor