Don't Fence Me In

The history of fencing dates back to the earliest of civilizations but the simple definition of a fence is a barrier that encloses an area of ground to mark a boundary, control access, or prevent escape. You might ask why I am writing about fencing. Well it all started way back when, as Tim and I were newlyweds living in Omak. We would head over to his parents’ ranch to help fence on occasion, and I must admit I didn’t think it was much fun. Fencing is hard work and it is much more complicated than you would think. There are fencing terms, designs, purposes, and features. When your ranch has approximately 800 acres, there is always a fence that needs repair.

When Tim and I started helping on the ranch more, we would take off with the flatbed truck loaded with supplies to some remote spot to fix the fence. Reaching those remote spots is a challenge in and of itself. The road is rough and finding your way through rocks and sagebrush is an adventure. When you reach the location, sometimes you must haul your supplies up a hill or through some rough terrain. Then the work begins. Digging post holes, driving in steelies, stretching barb wire, making cross braces for corners and gates, and the list goes on. I will say it again, it is definitely hard work.

As I started learning a little more about fencing, I started to appreciate how much goes into the design of fencing and the unique features that are sometimes required to fence over a rock slab, like an A Frame or a Dead Man. Frankly, I had no idea until I spent some time helping my man do a little fenc'n. One thing I know for sure is that Tim is a master at fencing and seeing him work is impressive. It is a man’s man kind of job and he is a stud through and through when he digs a post hole or drives a steel post in the ground. I love watching him work and that’s the guy I fell in love with.

One day when we were fixing an A Frame, that overlooked a 2500-foot ravine down to the creek and open spaces as far as you could see, I began to appreciate the experience. I realized that if you look around and witness God’s green earth and the beauty that lies around you, it changes your whole perspective. Being fascinated by tiny little flowers or huge boulders makes you incredibly grateful for all that God has created. Breathing the fresh air and settling into the peace and quiet fills your heart and soul. Just working with your spouse side by side, brings you together when you work toward a common goal.

Perspective can be gained in almost any experience and there are many analogies that can be made from fencing. Fencing has taught me that boundaries can be good. In contrast to the words of the song: “Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above, Don't fence me in”, we can still appreciate fences or boundaries. Boundaries are meant for our protection and safety is also good. On the other hand, freedom is even better and we all innately desire it. However, it is necessary to strike a balance between boundaries and freedom. If we are always pushing for more freedom we can become discontent and frustrated. Instead, we should strive to be content in situations that are not ideal and find ways to draw on Christ’s wisdom and peace when we feel our freedom is at risk.

Philippians 4:12-13 says it best: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

In summary, enjoy the simple things, seek freedom but appreciate boundaries and be content in any and every situation.