Knock, knock...

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  Matthew 7:7 

Is it possible that sometimes I become obsessed with knocking on the wrong door? 

I'm awfully persistent (aka stubborn), so at times I knock until my metaphorical knuckles hurt and I don't stop to notice all the other open doors.  How can I see other opportunities in front of me if I'm stuck pounding on a door that may never open?  Sometimes I fear that I'm standing in front of a beautiful blessing, but I'm afraid of it, because it's not what I asked for.  God answers our prayers.  However, "Ask and it will be given to you..." doesn't mention that it will come in whichever specifications I choose, on my time frame and in every way that I see perfect.  God has infinitely more wisdom than I do, so I have to continually learn to trust when my prayers are answered in ways that I don't expect or even want.  It's in the asking that I learn most about myself and in the receiving that I learn most about God. 

So, while it sounds like I'm speaking figuratively, in the next few months I might learn what it feels like to literally knock on doors to find a new job.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a leave of absence from work.  Bummer, I know.  I really spent some time praying and knocking and asking... on a door that didn't open.  It's sad to leave my home on the Neuro floor, my amazing co-workers and the patients, but I wouldn't give up this chance to be a nurse on Mercy Ships for anything.  God is faithful, He gives answers and I know that another door will open.  It's hard for us planners in life to not know what the future brings, but here is what I do know: I simply need to continue asking, seeking and knocking.  God will bless it.