Boundaries: Part 2 of Wanderings of a Woman's Mind

Boundaries are put up to protect. I am reminded of Nehemiah when he had the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He faced so many obstacles and oppression, but he never gave up. He kept building.

    

          We could all use boundaries. I know I do. I tend to start out well, but the something comes against me; a trial, obstacle or force I can't overcome, and I cross my boundaries. I sacrifice my purposes and the path God has given me because I don't fortify my boundaries.

               I know when I am weak; I know when I am at my weakest emotionally. It's these times, during these phases in life when I cross those boundaries the most. There is nothing wrong with emotion, but like everything else under the sun, they too need boundaries.

       We learn this truth from God's Word. Even He set boundaries. He set boundaries for the stars, the sun, the moon, and every living thing upon this Earth. He set limits. So, should we.

The easiest way to do that is to think about what you don't want. I do not want to stop chasing my dream of travelling the world. I had a great opportunity in front of me 10 months ago, but because of where I was emotionally, I crossed over my boundary and took a turn off the path. But God, in His great Mercy, reminded me that All things, all things, circumstances, obstacles and everything else in between- HE WILL TURN TO MY GOOD.

(Romans 8:28)

       But I have to set boundaries. I have to learn from every experience, learn what I like, what I don't like; I have to learn me. The things I learn that I don't like- that becomes a boundary. For instance, I have a very dear friend who is there for me at the drop of the hat. She came to my aid twice and both times I know I let her down. I know I made her feel used and unappreciated. Then, it happened to me. I felt used and underappreciated. Now, I knew how it felt, and I did not like it. Therefore, this has become a boundary for me. I will not use or under appreciate anyone or myself again. Nor will I allow anyone to treat me that way either.

I know my boundary, I have started to build this boundary; now let's see if it stands against the next war I am to face.

Amen?