About 8 months ago, there was a knock at my door. I had just put on my bathing suit, as I was headed outside to the hot tub. I thought it was my neighbor so I answered in my towel. Nope, not my neighbor. Instead it was 2 people decked out in their Sunday best. My mind raced ...who are these well dressed, smiling people on my porch. Then it struck me...I had just opened my door to the Jehovah's Witnesses.
I am not one to slam the door in peoples faces, so I stepped out on the porch to talk. We had spoken for about 2 minutes, when I realized I still was wearing nothing but a swim suit and towel. I wonder how that looked to them. They probably were horrified at the sight. But we keep talking. I have a strong faith, but will admit it has been some time since the local church had seen my face. But the Jehovah's Witnesses!? come on, total cult, now standing at my door. What should I do, I pondered. Close the door and run? Tell them thanks, but no thanks? Sell the house and move?
Next thing I knew they were in the house, on the couch and I was sharing cookies. We talked. We laughed. I cried. Not once did I feel that they were going to make me drink some "Kool-Aid". Not once did I feel like I should shave my head and put on a robe. Nope, these people just wanted to share the Bible with me. To talk about God. They even looked up everything in the bible. My Bible. I am not sure that everyone in the Jehovah's Witnesses organization is like the kind, non-judgmental, loving people that have showed up at my home. However, I can say that for the past 8 months they (I probably have met 10 different witnesses) have come into my house once a week, and have studied the Bible with me. Not lectured me. Not judged me. Just studied with me. I have learned a lot. I continue to learn a lot. I think they have even learned a thing or two from me (I do make a great cup of tea). I know that God sent these people to my door that day. I know that God is at our study group. I also know I am so thankful I answered the door that day.
Next time someone knocks on your door, don't hide behind the couch, go and answer the door. Worse case, you say "thank you", and go about your day. Best case, maybe you find that these strangers help you learn more about God and his kingdom. I know that by simply opening up the door that day, I have become a better person, I have a stronger relationship with God and I have found some amazingly kind people that I am proud to call friends.
