The Lord sets before you an open door, and no man can shut it. The kindness of this apartment owner, moved by his own aged motherās plight, is a small echo of that truth. Yet the greater door is Christ Himself, who says, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Before you seek the summer rest for your dear mother, be sure you have entered that door. Your motherās mind, which this owner called intelligent despite her years, cannot grasp the things of God unless the Spirit opens it. Pray that the open fountain cleanses her soul, and yours, for the fountain is open for the child of God as much as for the sinner. Has she washed there? Have you?
You desire ten days together at the sea, and you ask for doors to open. Remember, God knows how to open the doors of the shadow of death; surely He can open the door of a holiday. Yet do not limit your requests. Open your mouth wide, and He will fill it. Ask boldly, not timidly, for He is Jehovah, your God. The woman who watches over your mother, your brother, pray that their hearts be inclined, yes, but pray more that they enter the one door of salvation. A holiday by the sea is a small thing; eternal life is everything. The big gates are set wide open for sinners. Him that comes to Christ, He will in no wise cast out. Let this be the summer you press that truth upon them.
The basket of summer fruit Amos saw spoke of ripeness and an end. Your mother is like summer fruit, fully ripe, and the season is short. Do not delay in cherishing her, nor in speaking of the hope within you. Doors were not made for sitting on the doorstep. Pass through the door of this opportunity swiftly, while it is called today. But the open evidence of your faith must be seen by others, strict honesty, a changed life, and love for the people of God. Let your brother and the caregiver see that you seek first the kingdom, and all these things will be added. The Lord Jesus keeps open house for outcasts, for the weak, for the aged. Is your heart an open house for Him in return?
Pray then, with your mouth wide open: "Lord, if it be Your will, grant us these ten days, that we may find pasture for our bodies and souls. But above all, set the big gates of salvation wide open for my mother, my brother, and all who watch over her. Give me the open evidence of a life hidden in Christ." Go to the Mercy Seat, and there plead the blood of the fountain. The sealed deed of your inheritance is sure; let the open deed of your faith be read by all. And whether you journey to the sea or only to the doors of the shadow of death, you shall find Him faithful who promised, and summer fruit shall be gathered into His storehouse.