The particular shape of the doorknob, which had left an emotional imprint in the hollow of her hand.~Tatiana de Rosnay (From Flowers of Darkness)

Sometimes it's daunting to remember the elements, the ingredients of beauty. Yet each day we can find some bejeweled additives when we look. Here's an excerpt from my book, On A Clear Blue Day, entitled Doors:

The night of the festival, downtown was packed with people. I had to park at least four blocks away from the event. I groaned, thinking I should have anticipated the lack of parking and worn more sensible shoes. I faced a lot of cobblestones. I walked gingerly in my heels and began to notice details I'd failed to observe on other occasions when I walked more briskly in the neighborhood.

The evening light possessed a translucent quality. Silvery wisps of cloud as well as violet brushstrokes streaked the sky. A light wind blew and lifted the bangs from my forehead. I noted the homes had much character. One was painted yellow with cherry trim. The front window held box planters filled with curled ribbons of ivy and red geraniums. A gas flame lamppost glowed as the early evening began to inch toward nightfall. Another house contained an elaborate iron fence that curved around the perimeter of the property. The iron work was so delicate and intricate that I stopped and placed my fingers through the iron bars, wishing I could push open the gate and enter the magical yard.

As I continued to slowly make my way to the festival, the variety of doors on the homes captivated me. Some were massive, polished and shining--decorative knockers taking prominence in the middle of the wood. Others were painted in more muted shades of gray or ochre. Some were painted lime green. One was a startling shade of orange. All extraordinary.

Looking at these doors, I thought of the verse in Scripture where Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Behold, I'm standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me. (Revelation 3:20, The Passion Translation).

I could see in my mind's eye Jesus going to these homes, grasping the heavy knockers and rapping on the doors. I could almost hear the hammering sound of brass on wood echoing through the twilight. Would anyone answer? Would anyone invite Him in? At that moment, in the gentle light of dusk, I could think of nothing more wonderful than sitting down with Jesus and having a meal. He would invite me to rest and sup--to be restored mind, body and spirit.

These next weeks I will be away. I hope to be back on the page sometime in October. Until then, feel the shape of the doorknob in the hollow of your hand and open the door each day to the intimacy and majesty of our Lord. Even in the desperation and darkness of our culture, there is beauty to be found in Him. May every one of you overflow with the grace and favor of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:23, TPT)