Boudaries and Space

It is so funny to me that as children, we wanted to push the boundaries as far as we could. Just a little bit more here and just a little more there - maybe mom and dad won't notice! Then as teens we not only wanted to test the boundaries - we wanted more space to ourselves. We longed for our parents to back off and give us room.

I am realizing that as an adult - things really haven't changed all that much. We still push the boundaries that God has placed on us and we still long for space. Boundaries are a good thing in every aspect of life and in every relationship I think and yet like anything, they can work for our good or for our harm. If we place appropriate boundaries then we are protecting ourselves from things that may harm us; yet if we place too many boundaries then we may miss out on the blessings that lay beyond.

As for space, yes we all need space at times. We need others to just back off and give us some room and not smother us and yet again, if we don't allow others close to us at times we miss the blessing of close relationships. What a hard balance this is!

Today, I find myself longing for some space and needing to find a way to set some healthy boundaries on some relationships in my life. Yet, I am fearful of puhing those away that I truly do need close to me. I need and desire to find that healthy balance of what is appropriate and good for all involved. Thankfully, I have a Heavenly Father who totally understands.

When I look at Jesus' life here on Earth I have to just stand in awe at how well he managed this balance of boundaries and space. Here was a person who was almost constantly surrounded by people that both loved and hated him. Everywhere he went - people followed and yet he was SO good to get away for time to himself at the feet of his Father. He was also great at limiting those that were with him at the hard times in his life. This is the balance that I am praying to find - time for those closest to me and yet time for myself.

This coming week - this is my goal: to carve out not only time for my Lord but to also look and make sure that I am setting appropriate and good boundaries and giving myself space while at the same time not neglecting relationships and people. The hard part about this will be that I may have to tell people no and I may have to stand firm! However - "I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength." Phil 4:13.