Fences
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Jessica Breazeale
Is your fence meant to keep people in or keep people out?
I guess it’s normal to want to feel safe and secure, so putting up a fence isn’t too crazy, by any means. Have you ever been too trusting, maybe because you have such a big heart, and discernment isn’t your spiritual gift, and you had to learn the hard way? Maybe some form of protection is not the worst idea, but at what cost does that protection come? Do we miss out on potential relationships that are real and last a lifetime?
Do we miss out on conversations that God ordains? It’s natural to jump to defense when we’ve been hurt by establishing offense. I’ve done that. I’ve said things like:
“Lesson learned, that won’t happen to me again.”
“Lesson learned, you can’t trust everybody.”
“Lesson learned, only help those who appreciate it.” And, where my flesh wants to debate that notion constantly, my eternal spiritual self knows everything needs moderation—a holy balance.
As I picture this image in my mind right now of installing a fence on my property, all I can help but think of is that it would make an epic balancing beam! I could do dance moves on top of it. It would be a jungle gym playground. Yes, I might get hurt, but if I don’t have fun on that fence, I’ll never know. That’s the inner child that will always be in me, that sees something different than other people.
Maybe your fence is purely decorative; you just wanted a fence that looked good.
Maybe your fence is a façade; you want everyone to think there’s more security than there actually is, but it’s just enough to fake the predators.
Maybe your fence is in bad shape. Looks like it’s seen better days and is not really working anymore. It’s giving off the wrong vibe.
Maybe you didn’t even know there was a fence on your property—when you discover one, you brainstorm: leave it up or take it down?
Is this message subliminal enough for you?
Yes, it’s a metaphor. In what ways does it speak to you?
Are you like Desperado? Have you been out riding fences for too long?
Are you gonna make like Garth Brooks and have “No Fences”. That was just a good album, right?
I don’t know much, but I know this: fences are costly in time, money, and constant repairs.
Install or don’t install—choose so wisely. And I think, after all, this is what we all wrestle with: that balance.
I love the depth of this image because it reminds me that even as we guard ourselves, we also need to stay open. And just like a fence, we can choose when to let ourselves dance on top of it—free, but mindful. Install or don’t install—choose so wisely.
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