My younger sister, Nancy, developed a desire to paint with watercolors—nature scenes, flowers, trees, birds and other creatures, all in in rich colors. She took lessons to further her natural ability and got really good, really fast. I proudly have her paintings in my home, and love her printed notecards. I use so many, I keep running out.
Her cards produced great results yesterday.
A dear friend in Denmark is having a hard time. She sent me a photo of one of the notecards resting on her window ledge and raising her spirits.
A second card solved a major problem for me. My Minnesota primary care doctor is retiring. Her office was one and a half hours from my farm, so it was an effort get there. Two years ago, I pinch-hitted with another doctor in a clinic half an hour from my farm. Without sharing that woman’s full story, she is highly educated and immigrated from another country with fascinating life experiences. After handling my medical issue, we had one of the best conversations on youth, education, and world history that I’ve ever enjoyed.
It didn’t take long last week to realize I wanted her as my new primary, but when I phoned her clinic, they said, “she’s full and not taking new patients, no exceptions.”
I was sad since that doctor stood out. Any interaction with her would be exceptional. As I’d left that appointment two years ago, she’d told me she’d also enjoyed our conversation, but it seemed impossible to pass the closed door.
But an idea hit me. I chose one of my sister’s prettiest notecards and wrote a message reminding the doctor of our pleasant encounter. (The photos at top are samples of my sister’s work.) I acknowledged the doctor’s busy schedule but asked if she might consider making an exception, promising to stay healthy to take as little time as possible. I marked the envelope Personal and Confidential to be sure it reached her.
Yesterday, I got a phone call from the doctor’s nurse. She cheerfully said the doctor loved my card and is making an exception. I’m free to contact her any time, even before next summer’s appointment.
What if I hadn’t tried? What if I took “No” for an answer? I know the Lord gave me the idea, but my sister’s beautiful notecard helped. I phoned and told her so.
That lesson fits all areas of life. If we knock on a door and find it locked, keep knocking until someone comes with a key, or someone inside who didn’t want to be bothered gives up and responds.
By the time I left my new doctor’s office that day, I knew she and I would be friends if we had time. I’ll also take her more of my sister’s notecards,.
If you want to see the art that opens doors, find Nancy Williams on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/art.original.watercolors If you contact her, tell her Delores sent you.
And have a beautiful week.
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