Fences

A week out from Thanksgiving and we are slowly moving back into a routine. Three states in three days with three boys under the age of five is rough on a gal. Especially when the 2 year old prefers demands his own bed for hours on end between say midnight and 4 AM for two nights in a row.

We were blessed to be able to stay with family we haven't had much of a chance to see over the past 8 years. So it was wonderful to be around them, even for the few short hours we did have. We stayed the first night with my husband's aunt in Tennessee. I love his aunt and uncle! They have always made me feel like part of the family. Acceptance is a beautiful thing. This couple has the most incredible home. It's more than a house; it truly feels like being at home. The boys bounced off stairs, pulled numerous toys from their unknown habitat. They played inside and outside. We went to see the train and even found a playground. The boys played upstairs, downstairs and under everyone's feet.

For the first time, and I'm not exaggerating, I let them be kids at someone else's house. I was a little apprehensive at first but decided it would be best, for them and for me. And here are a few things I learned.

1. My boys need fences not leashes. They are children that need to be trained not animals that need to be broken. I must allow them freedom to explore, to roam, to learn. Freedom to find out who they are and what they can achieve.




2. My boys will be what I make or break them to be. I have the opportunity now to set my boys up for success or for failure. Not just in a future business sense. Now is when they will learn how to be the men they will become.

3. There is safety and solace in boundaries. By setting boundaries for them, I am allowing them to take the reigns from time to time. Giving them a safe place to learn and explore. Which also means that sometimes their decisions may not be the best ones. However, there are times that making bad decisions is punishment enough.

Thankful for family, faith and fences!