Daphne Reid (better known as Aunt Viv from Fresh Prince of Bel Air) recently launched a fascinating project exhibiting unique photographs of … uhmm, doors.

On the face of it, they were just doors, and yet they make a compelling collection that draw you in to examine, explore, and even, write about them. Some were barricaded as if one would never be allowed to enter. Others encouraged admiration, but only from afar. Some were wide open, beckoning anyone who would, to enter in. Others looked ever so slightly ajar, enticing would-be travellers to look closer and maybe even to try them gently.

You’ve probably got the gist of where I’m going with this. Doors are, in fact, a lot like relationships. So what kind of doors are at your house? Are they revolving doors where others enter and leave almost immediately? Are they faux doors – just there for keeping up appearances or are they real doors that are so firmly shut that no-one can get in and no-one dare leave? Are they gateways to a vast and exciting new world or a maddeningly frustrating barrier to progress? Do they extend an invitation to others to join you on the adventure of life or warn them to be very careful for at any moment, without warning, they could be quite firmly shut. Are they safe and reliable, plain and predictable or full of mystery and intrigue? Perhaps they are fine after all and just need a little cleaning up to restore their former beauty?

Doors, like relationships, are absolutely necessary for moving from the room you are in to the place you would like to be. Since our theme for I Will Tell 2012 is Live Your Dream, what better way to start the year than to focus on our relational doors?

To paraphrase an old prayer, as we look forward to following our dreams in 2012, I pray for strength to close those doors that we should, courage to go bravely through those that have been, or just might be, opened up to us and wisdom to know the difference.

Happy New Year!