Open Doors

My kids have been assigned to read To Kill a Mockingbird. The classic novel is one of my favorites and for good reason. It taught me a very important life lesson that matched one theme of the book: Sometimes things are not always what they seem.

My high school was doing the play version of To Kill a Mockingbird, and I tried out for the lead part of Scout. I worked hard memorizing the lines and was sure I had landed it (I was really into acting and singing back then)! When the teacher made the announcement, I was shocked to find out not only did I not get the lead part, I wasn’t even in the cast! I was devastated. And I’m not going to lie, I actually cried.

After the shock wore off and I got over my disappointment, I found myself enjoying working backstage to make the production a success. The next year, I tried out again for the school play, and this time, I landed the lead in that year’s musical. Not only would I be acting, I also got to sing a solo. That small singing part led to being accepted to an international travel group called The Continental Singers. What first seemed like the worst thing that could have ever happened to me turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

What we perceive as failure often turns into an opportunity. Have you ever wanted something so bad, even prayed about it, only to find the door slammed in your face? We ask God, “Why didn’t you listen to my prayers? Why did you let this happen?” It’s hard to see it in the moment that our disappointment could be anything less than failure. But if we view closed doors as opportunities rather than crushing blows, our minds and hearts are more open to what’s next. When a new opportunity comes our way, we’re more open to it because we’ve gained perspective.

How we respond to disappointment sets the tone for what’s to come.

If you’re a teen, you’ve probably already experienced one or more disappointments. You didn’t make the select team. You got cut from the dance line. Your art wasn’t accepted for the contest. The kid you liked dated someone else. It may seem like the end of the world, but believe it or not, you’re actually lucky because you get to see that there is something better for you.

As a parent, I want so badly to shelter my kids from disappointment. But I don’t, because I’m grateful I learned a life lesson early on. Closed doors often lead to disappointment, but the open door that’s coming next is always better.

“When God closes the door He opens a window so I can see. He’s working out the very best for me.” —The Continental Singers, The Dreamer Musical

Share a time you found yourself disappointed, only to be surprised at the hidden blessing!