Well, we tried. We have walked our puppies around the boundaries of our yard since bringing them home. Recently we turned them loose to see what they would do. Their first response? They ran...toward other neighbors' yards, just as we suspected. Not only is it a matter of curiosity...but dogs of this type are known to easily roam up to fifteen miles a day. It's their nature. Unfortunately, frequently traveled roads run near our house. So we must protect our puppies until we live in a different location which safely allows more freedom.
We have wonderful neighbors. Yet part of being a great neighbor is respecting the property and privacy of other neighbors. So our puppies will definitely not roam the neighborhood yards freely until we move. They have an acre to enjoy here. For some reason, however, moving beyond the boundaries is so tempting.
That sounds all too familiar to our nature, doesn't it? The old adage says "the grass is always greener on the other side." Why is it that we want what is beyond our reach while being dissatisfied with what is within reach? Why are boundaries necessary in properties, relationships, society, laws of our country, belief systems, etc.?
In a perfect world, boundaries may not be necessary. But in our very imperfect world, I immediately think of two reasons boundaries need to be in place: protection and peace.
Without a fence, our precious puppies who are fascinated with moving vehicles, would easily become injured...or worse. They don't realize the danger. But we do. Likewise, when we teach our children to avoid talking to strangers or to respect laws of the land, we are trying to protect them. They may consider it strict. We see it as protecting those we love. Boundaries provide protection from potential harm, both seen and unseen.
Healthy boundaries also promote peace among people. I have seen people become irate because someone disrespected their family, property, reputation, beliefs...or driving space. Neighbors against neighbors, family against family, students against students, countries against countries. Sadly, but quite necessary, we must have boundaries to bring...and keep...peace.
We must often build walls to provide protection and promote peace. Sometimes they are successful. Sometimes they are not. We do the best we can to embrace this life with joy, hope, peace and purpose. We realize there are factors we cannot embrace which threaten our safety and our loved ones. We thank God for protecting us and giving us peace when life is not understood. We learn. We love. We live. We trust Him to lead us Home.♥~thl
..."a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,"... Ecclesiastes 3: 5
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