A neighbor of mine erected a fence around his property. We have a fence to keep unwanted animals out, but the neighbor’s fence was only on two sides of his property, with an elaborate gate across his driveway. Clearly, this fence had nothing to do with keeping animals out and everything to do with keeping out the children who gathered in his driveway in the morning while waiting for the school bus!

As I watched the fence go up, I thought about the fences we put up in our lives. If we don’t want others to see who we really are, we put up a fence around our feelings. I sometimes wonder why we go through that much trouble to hide the person God intended us to be. It seems to make much more sense to be ourselves, truthful, and vulnerable. Now, a chain link fence does allow some visibility, but unless the one on the outside is invited in unless we share ourselves with others, the fence might as well be solid wood.

The next time you see a fence in your neighborhood, be reminded of the precious fence built around you by the Maker and Creator of the universe. It’s called The Ten Commandments. This fence is designed to protect you from the evils on the outside of the fence. So rest easy. You are protected. And His fence will one day lead you to heaven…where there are no fences.

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.