Going through hell in the hallway

There's a saying that when one door closes, another door opens. I happen to believe that. I also believe that, like many sayings, it's probably a bit simplistic.

I heard what feels like a more accurate version as I was flipping through radio stations in the car yesterday. I came across what sounded like a charismatic black preacher giving a sermon. The speaker in me was caught by his delivery style, so I stayed and listened a while, admiring his oratorical skill.

"When one door closes, God opens another door," he preached. "When one door closes," he repeated, "God opens another door...But," he said with a hint of humor, "it's hell in the hallway!" 

As I cracked up at the image, I thought, "How very true." I do believe that another door is going to open when one gets shut. But I have also seen enough people go through change - and been through enough change myself - to know that actually making through that door isn't always a cakewalk.

Maybe that hell comes from that limbo space where someone doesn't know what's next. Maybe it comes when they start moving towards the open door, experience a little hellfire, and think, "Ouch! Hey, wait a minute. I don't like this! Never mind. That door must not be open after all." And they give up. Or it makes them think that they don't have what it takes (the fact that they're struggling must prove it, right?).

But the reality is that with any change - especially substantial changes - struggle, fear, and doubt can come with the territory (not always, but often). Feeling the flames tickling your butt doesn't necessarily mean you should stop.

It's just a reminder to ask yourself, "Is that really the opportunity I think it is? (A little healthy questioning is never a bad thing.) Is there any way to move through this hallway faster? Is there anything that can help shield me from these flames while I make the transition?"

Next time you decide to step through a new door and you feel a little heat, remind yourself that it's just the hallway, not the whole house.

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by Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst