By Kelly Wahlquist
I remember watching The Sound of Music on television each Easter. Yep, that was back in the pre-historic days before Netflix. The line that always stuck with me was when Maria says, “Where the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” This message of hope is one I often recall whenever I encounter an opportunity lost – a door closing. It is a message that always proved to be true; where the Lord closed a door, somewhere He opened a window.
Then one day, another door closed and I headed back to my “Fraulein Maria words of comfort,” and I waited, and I waited… and it seemed as though either God didn’t know someone had shut the door, or He had forgotten how to open the window. As time passed, the lack of spotting an opening brought with it some discomfort, then some questioning, then some anxiety. Why weren’t Julie Andrews’ words of wisdom coming through for me?
Turns out, it wasn’t the words of Julie Andrews I needed to rely on, it was the Word of God, so I went there, and I found, “Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). And I found, “For I know the plans I have or you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). … and I took comfort, but I still didn’t see the window opening.
So, what do you do when you don’t see that streak of light breaking through the window to conquer the darkness? Easy, you praise God!
Here are three simple ways:
- Simply pray. Every time we pray we are communicating with our Father, we are talking to Him.
- Sing a song. Praising God isn’t so much about Him as it is about me. Through song I can be taken away to another world to reflect on His great love and mercy.
- Offer it up. When we unite our sufferings with Christ, we add meaning to them.
So, Fraulein Maria was right, “Where the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” That catch is, sometimes that window takes longer to open than we had hoped. It’s up to us what we do while we wait.
About the Author:
Kelly Wahlquist is a wife, mother of three, inspiring Catholic author and speaker residing in Minnesota. She is the founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization, Assistant Director for the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute, and contributing writer for Catholicmom.com. Her book Created to Relate: God’s Design for Peace & Joy encourages and inspires women to live fully their beautiful God-given gifts for building relationships. She is the creator and editor of Walk in Her Sandals: Experiencing Christ’s Passion through the Eyes of Women. Kelly travels the country speaking to all on topics that inspire us to live the New Evangelization, but has a special love for speaking at Catholic women’s events.
A simple, yet profound, message and reflection. It hit home with me. God never leaves us alone, even though it may look as there’s no ‘escape’, or opportunity. Thank you for sharing.
Truth! The trials and difficulties of patience. Jesus, I trust in You! Thanks Kelly
I recently saw the quote about praising God in the hallway on a wall hanging at Kirklands. I couldn’t help but think of you, Kelly. Thank you for being a source of encouragement to me.
Thanks for your encouraging words.
Kelly, again, you have inspired me and to continue to put my faith in our Lord. The “Sound of Music” is and was one of my favorite all-time movies and how I wish this type of movie could be made again…..lifting up our beautiful Catholic faith! But, the point in your article, here, is so true. We wait and hope for that window to open for the light and relief we need from our Lord. I love the Scripture versus you noted as well, so that I can refer to them when I need to. Thank you and God Bless you always!
Thanks Gwen,
A bet I’ve seen the movie well over 100 times and that is not an exaggeration. Ha ha… Can’t believe how long it took for that message to sink into my brain. Blessings, Kelly
Fantastic! You are a gift!
You, my friend, are the gift!
Kelly, I was introduced to Wine last Fall in Metairie, La. We were experiencing the great flood of 2016 lost everything but the love of our Catholic brothers & sisters. Prayer was so important & our Lord being there for us.
The experiences of that Wine day was a boast for strength, courage, & hope. Thank you for what you do. Maybe soon we can see an event at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, please.
Hi Bobbie,
So wonderful to hear from you and it was a blessing meeting you at the WINE conference. I hope to see you at the next WINE event in your area. We’re just working on planning something in your neck of the woods. Blessings, Kelly
Kelly, that was a wonderful post. The Sound of Music is also one of my favorites and that phrase has always had a special place in my heart and now it is even more precious because of your beautiful post. God bless you for all that you are doing to bring women closer to our Lord.
Love and Prayers,
Mary Therese Craig
P.S. I can’t wait to hear the Whippy-Dip story in one of your future posts or talks! That was such a great Conference for the 1:38 Women with you, Kitty and Teresa. Thank you for coming to Erie!