Journey Fences

Being on a Journey implies not staying in one place very long – or it would not be called “Journey.”  Our faith Journey finds us continually on the move.  Sometimes we get comfortably settled and figure, “It will always be thus.”  Yet we know from experience that as things change, we need to leave the comfort zone and move forward into the unknown.  

Robert Fulghum has some interesting advice regarding journey and change when he says, “The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence.  No, not at all.  Fences have nothing to do with it.  The grass is greenest where it is watered.  When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass where ever you may be.”

“What was” and “what is” was created partly by you.  “What will be” is also being created partly by you.  “Courage,” A. H. Redmoon says, “is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than one’s fear.”

What fences have you encountered on your Journey?  What fence are you facing right now regarding changes in your life?  What areas seem blocked off in your heart?  Are you willing to overlook the fence, or even to look over the fence?  What does the grass on the other side of the fence represent for you?  How is it calling for the water only you can provide?  Are you willing to look for the new grass – perhaps still very short – and water it with your gifts of caring?  

Where do you get enough energy to keep watering?  As you take your concerns to prayer, also take to heart these words of Jesus: “Rivers of Living Water shall flow from the inmost being of anyone who believes in me.”  (John 7:38)   Blessings as you face the gifts and challenges beyond your fences – and allow yourself to water the new, tender grass.   – Jackie F.