Here at the workbench, a lot of the things we do are on a timeline. Some things are done once a year, others twice a year, and others every quarter. Many things happen when we are having emergencies and other changes.

Fall is when I start working on windows and doors. We have over 300 doors here at First Unitarian. There are many kinds of doors. Front doors, back doors, trap doors, sliding doors, double doors, stage doors, glass doors, and many others.

One of the primary functions of a door is to provide security—no matter where the door is. At home, work, church, or in a car.

Now, I know that you may not think much about doors at all. If they are there and working, opening and closing as they should, who cares, right? Well, I do. Doors must be maintained, cleaned, oiled, hung right. To say nothing of what goes into putting a door in a wall.

Some doors are plain, others are grand. Some are small, some very big. A door can be made out of many things: wood, stone, steel, glass, or many other materials.

We put a lot of wisdom in a door:

• “When one door closes, another opens.”
• “What goes on behind closed doors is nobody’s business.”
• “Each choice we make in life is like a door opening.”

So it seems funny that doors lead a double life: keeping things in and keeping things out.

Like most tools here at the workbench, a door is neither good nor bad, but depends on who is using it.

I have noticed that here at First Unitarian, we are good at keeping the doors open to let people in who are looking for a beloved community.

So, the next time you walk up to a door, stop and think for a moment, and ask yourself, What is this door doing for me? Is it letting me in, or keeping me out?

Seems that the door is doing more than we thought.

Knock knock!
Who’s there?
You can’t tell until you open the door.

Well, gotta run. Someone is at the door.