"Windows"

 

“Windows”

 

Shortly after purchasing our Lakeland house in 2014 we replaced its fifteen windows—the original ones were uneconomical and showing their age. The new ones are more energy efficient and look better but are difficult to keep clean due to Florida’s dust and pollen, not to mention various critters’ leaving evidence of their presence. They’re a chore to wash which helps us understand the disclaimer from housekeepers: “I don’t do windows!” But we recently purchased a spray cleaner at a friend’s suggestion which shows promise once we’re motivated to use it.

When we watch one of the “House Hunter” shows on HGTV one of the most common observations is that a home has a lot of windows to let in light. They come in different shapes, sizes and grades but must meet local building codes (when we had ours installed standards had changed so we had to make appropriate adjustments). But the illumination they provide makes a house more welcoming.

Windows are mentioned 29 times in Scripture. Both the Hebrew and Greek words are derived from a root meaning opening. According to a Bible dictionary they were high on the walls of early houses to allow smoke to escape (apparently there were no chimneys) and were covered for protection when necessary. So it appears they were a practical necessity and décor wasn’t a consideration as it is in modern times.

There was a window in Noah’s ark through which he released a raven to see if the flood waters had receded (Genesis 8:6). In two cases people were saved from enemies by being lowered through one (Joshua 2:15; 2 Corinthians 11:33) and Daniel opened them in his house so he could pray toward Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). Then there’s the Bible trivia question as to why we shouldn’t fall asleep in church (Acts 20:9).

In the 1960’s NASA coined the term “launch window” for the timing of sending rockets into space. During the Cold War it evolved into “window of opportunity” for attacking enemies. From here it expanded into business and ministry contexts to describe ideal times for taking action. But around 55 AD the Apostle Paul wanted to avail himself of suitable circumstances to minister when he wrote that “…a great door for effective work has opened to me….” (1 Corinthians 16:9). The word translated “door” is the one from which “window” comes so Paul might be said to have originated the term “window of opportunity”.

What’s my “window of opportunity”? Whenever a situation arises for “A word aptly spoken….” (Proverbs 25:11). Will I allow the message of Christ to flow through the window of my life?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan