I have been thinking lately about fences. Fences keep things out of our property that we feel could hurt us. They also keep others from seeing inside. Some of us have messy yards we want to hide, and others of us have beautiful roses that people never see but only smell briefly as they walk by.

Guess honesty is something that I have thought I did a good job with recently. That I have been good at connecting with people and getting into heart level relationships with them. But a short time ago I was challenged with certain situations that backed me into a corner where I didn’t have enough strength to stand up in alone. So I found myself reaching out again to my close friends and asking for prayer. And in doing so, found that I was vulnerable and needed to trust beyond my personal fences that keep me from getting “too close” without even realizing it.

Oh yes, there is that matter of trust. And integrity. And knowing which people to talk to who will not check us into rehab because our world is not polished to perfection. And being sensitive to people and things that would hurt us or be out of God’s will or timing for our lives. Yes, living life “on the edge” with people means we are liable to fall off one side or another and get scraped. But the alternative is to live in nice little house with a nice little yard in a world that never is touched by my messes or my roses.

So, I’ve been walking out of my comfort zone. And I have a flat nose from falling on it. And a trembling heart because I’m afraid of new heights that I might fall off of. But I’m listening intently to my Savior, Who is not miffed when I stumble, and Who is speaking softly to my heart and saying, “You will hear a word behind you saying, this is the way to walk in, when you turn to the left and the right.” And every now and then He says, “Tear down another board off that fence! It’s time to let it go! Let people see what is inside: the real, the fake, the insecure, and the arrogant. Your ‘messes and roses’. And know that I love you because I see it all (~I see you from above anyway~ no fence can block My view!), and you can be secure in My love for you.”

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