Day Thirty-Six “Out of Bounds”
Our small, country home is surrounded by small farms, passed on from one generation to the next. One of those farms shares a property line with us. That farm recently experienced its very own baby boom, evidenced by all the young calves added to an already large herd. Watching them frolic in the field while we relax on our deck has become a favorite pastime. While doing some chores on a warm, summer evening, we noticed something amiss at our neighbor’s. A few of the young ones had run amuck, finding their way to the wrong side of the fence that had been erected by our neighbor to contain his herd. You could almost sense the joy of new-found freedom experienced by those babies, Look where we are, Mom! Catch us if you can! Yum, the grass tastes better on this side! Those momma cows did not look happy AT ALL. Neither was the young farmer who had to corral his freedom-seeking young ones.
As the saying goes, the grass does sometimes seem greener on the other side. As parents, we set boundaries for our children, things that are acceptable, things that are out-of-bounds. Our neighbor carefully constructed fencing along his property line, creating a safe space where his animals could feed and grow, all while being protected from the dangers outside that hedge of safety. Parents have that same responsibility, prayerfully setting up the property lines established in the Word of God, providing a space where their young treasures can safely grow, protected from the world and its corrupting influences. Even though those rules, discipline, and the do this, don’t do that lectures may seem too restrictive to children as they try to find a path that will lead to the other side of your fence, it remains our duty as parents to keep guiding them home.
Parents, teach diligently, teach constantly, teach consistently “…when thou sittest in the house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6) Set firm fences of safety within the guidelines of God’s Word, and never let the culture in which live you live tempt you to take down those fences. And children, obey and honor those godly influences who God has placed in your life. You can dwell safely within the boundaries set by those loving parents.
Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Parents, establish strong fences, establish those borders within which your children can grow strong, yet stay safe. Children, find safety within those boundaries and heed those fences erected by your parents.
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