Fences

We see fences all around us, in various styles and shapes. Fences have many functions, such as setting boundaries and designating protected spaces. They can keep children in a yard or keep other people out.

Outdoor fences are often used as physical barriers, visible and easily recognized. They convey the message that crossing them is not allowed unless we’re invited to do so. Children learn to recognize fences, even imaginary ones, and they’ll often test the limits of such barriers. They will find a breach in the fence and squeeze through or figure out how to open the gate and get out. Such openings allow children to explore whatever is on the other side of fences.

Sometimes we build invisible fences. Have you ever built a fence around your heart? Others can’t visually see such fences, which we erect to protect what’s inside from harm. Maybe you’ve built a fence to give yourself time and space to heal from a past hurt.

Just like children, we eventually need to break through the fences that we build around our hearts. We need to carefully, slowly squeeze through an opening and make sure it’s safe on the other side. Once we feel safe from the hurt, we can start to pull our fences down and begin to allow other people back in.