Many Closed Doors Before The Open Door

 

Today, I had the opportunity to watch Oprah Winfrey interview Joel Osteen on Oprah’s Life Class. Today’s topic was Dream Big. Many excellent quotable thoughts and stories were shared. The one that stuck out for me is, “you have to come to many closed doors before you get to your open door.”

In other words, DON’T GIVE UP!” There are many challenges and obstacles we are going to face before we are successful. What we think we many need at the moment is a false or temporary solution. God has bigger and better plans in mind. Joel also said, “Sometimes God closes the door because the dream is too small.”

For example: You had gotten the “dream job” interview. The interview, with whatever company, institution, business or organization, went well. You felt that you had the “dream job” in the bag, until  you received the e-mail, letter, or phone call, thanking you for your interest, but they hired another candidate.

Don’t give up. Either there is a better position around the corner, or perhaps, you are meant to be an entrepreneur, start your own venture and be your own boss. Embrace the time you have to keep showing up and doing what you love doing. If it is teaching, seek opportunities to teach. If it is writing, seek opportunities to write. If it is creating art, seek opportunities to create and share your artwork. J. K. Rowling, Stephen King and Dr. Seuss and many other renowned authors went through many rejections before becoming successfully published.

Paula Deen stated in an interview, “If it is not hard then you’re not dreaming BIG enough. There is no sin in failure; the sin is NOT trying.” Paula is an amazing woman with a phenomenal talent for creating delicious home-cooked meals. She has never been afraid of hard work to reach her dream. Paula Deen shared, “I am living proof that the American dream still exists. It is still alive and well. There is only one trick, you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and work very, very hard.”

I feel if you are passionate about your dream, then the work becomes play. You will want to do whatever it takes to make your dream a reality. Sure, it may be hard at times, but hard does not equate with not being fun. Ask any athlete. They put in many hours of training into their sport; it is hard fun; furthermore, they would not do it if they were not deeply passionate about it. Dream and believe BIG! Pray BOLD. (Joel Osteen) What are you dreams and goals? Are they BIG enough? Are you excited about your dreams and goals? What are you going to do when you get to another closed-door? How are you going to honor your dreams?

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