The De-Fences We Build
One of the items on my summer to-do list is a new fence.
I need a fence in order for my dog Jake to have a safe place to run and play.  My fence needs to be high enough so my daughter's dog Bella cannot jump over it (like she can the current one).
And so, my thoughts have turned to fences today and as I pondered fences, I started to contemplate the fences we have in our lives both physical ones and figurative ones.
Fences can be built for many reasons some of them very reasonable and some of them out of fear.
I will build my fence high enough and substantial enough to keep Jake and Bella safely within it's confines but with gates to allow them to go in and out when it is safe to do so, and to allow others in to visit and play.   When I put up inner fences (or de-fences) am I building them in fortress style, ending up not allowing anyone in, and in turn keeping myself safe but isolated with no way out?
I will be careful not to build my fence so high that I can't say hello and have a friendly chat over it.  Not so closed off that one can't pass a cup of sugar or a handful of fresh cut sweet peas between neighbours.  Am I able or willing to leave enough vulnerability in my de-fence to be open to the possibility of sharing and communicating and allowing others to see in?
I will build my fence with some sections of lattice to support flowering vines.   Am I willing to have areas where my de-fence may be weaker structurally to allow the possibility of something beautiful to grow?
I will keep my grandchildren in mind building a fence that allows hiding places for a twilight game of kick the can, and that will hold blankets and tarps to fashion a fort for secret clubs and away-from-adults planning sessions.   Can I remember to laugh and have fun at the expense of my de-fence?
To build a fence in my back yard seems a straight-forward task.  Put together a plan, buy the necessary materials, gather a few helpers...   Have I put as much thought into the de-fences I have built up?  Or have I allowed barriers to go up without even thinking about it?  Have I allowed my imagination to perceive wrong doings where really there were only misunderstandings?  Have I chosen to believe I had been hurt when in reality I had overlooked the hurt my words or deeds inflicted?    
It is time for some new fences, both in my yard and in my mind.  Fences built only as tall and as strong as necessary, with access in and out for me as well as for others.  Fences built with intention not out of habit or fear, but with planning, good tools and clean new materials, a fresh new start.
But first, I must tear down the old ones.

Abundant Blessings:  In this spot each newsletter I will feature a website I feel is worth checking out.  They will be sites where you can share your abundant blessings.  As we share our gifts with the world, our lives are enriched.  This week you might want to check out Peace x Peace  dollar a week for peace