On the Fence.

Fences.
They take a long time to build, but they always serve a purpose. They keep important things in. They keep harmful things out. They serve to protect, to guard, and oftentimes, to make one feel safe.

Though they all perform the same basic functions, no two fences look alike. And maybe they shouldn't. Some match buildings or houses, others divide vast amounts of landscape. Some are new and fresh and beautiful. Others are old, worn out, yet still in place for a purpose.

No two fences are the same. Some are small, some are large. Some are just plain old all-natural wood. Others are painted and decorated-to-the-hilts. Some have latches and keys and various deviations of "keep out" signs, others don't. they're more friendly and inviting. Yet, they all still serve a purpose. Keep important things in. Keep harmful things out.

No matter how big or how small or how plain or how decorated our "fences" in life may be, there's one thing to be said for all fences.
They're. Not. Designed. To. Be. Straddled.

Today, ask God to help you identify the "fences" you've placed in your life (better yet, the fences He's placed in your life).

Spend time thinking about the important things it's keeping in and the harmful things it's keeping out.

Then, boldly and unapologetically, make the choice of which side of the fence you're on. Straddling fences only leads to pain for you and discomfort for everyone watching.

Don't get me wrong: Life isn't all about making easy choices and living on the "safe" side; however, the fences in our lives have taken a long time to build. They're there for a reason. And they always, always serve a purpose.

Happy fence hopping.

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