We went to California on a family vacation this year. It was wonderful and refreshing. We grew up there, well....we were born and raised there and left when we were both 21. I think the true growing up came later. LOL There are things that really "reach out and grab you" when you return to the place where you were born and raised. For me, this year, it was the architecture; especially the residential areas. It was the fences.
In Illinois here, we have a fence around our backyard. It's very nice since we have a dog. The fence keeps him inside and we can let him out to roam around and laze in the sun (when there is sun..ha).
California is a different story, however. Just about every one has a fence around their back yard there. Matter of fact, I don't recall seeing any residential property without a fence around their backyard.
Looking at all the various fences you would say that some were truly functional and providing a greater level of protection and security. I did wonder if these would really protect the families behind them or if the trust they placed in them was warrented. Still many others use them more for boundary marking and perhaps for adding additional beauty to the property.
Researching a bit on google, I found some interesting things. There are cities, towns, and counties with laws and fines regarding fences. They truly care about the fence height in your front yard versus your backyard. They even dictate whether you can have a fence. There are areas that have rules about the material the fence is constructed with.
My mind started thinking about fences that people build around themselves. You can't truly see them, but they are there none the less. You know how I know? Because some of us can't trust anyone. Some of us can't laugh and joke with others. Some of us are afraid to even get around a sinner for fear that their "sin" will corrupt us.
Oh, don't get me wrong, I think we better have some fences built. We have to protect our minds in what we see and allow ourselves to think about. The Bible has a lot to say on this subject. In a world that is exposed to constant visual stimulants of sex, drugs, and violence, you better have some pretty strong fortified fences to protect yourself with.
But those are not the fences that I am talking about. The fences that I am talking about are those that keep people out. How can we be salt and light in this world when we are fencing them out? How can we show them Jesus if we refuse to get involved with them?
Jesus sat with prostitutes and offered them living water. Jesus ate dinner with dirty politicians. Jesus took his disciples out for times of mentoring and had enough love in his heart to address their egotistical thinking.
I ask you now, "What's up with the fence?" Remember, most things can be used for both evil and good. What's the purpose of your fence?
