Most of our storms come from the west, but this one was moving in on’ us from the north. The cloud front was like a black mountain and we watched, spellbound, as it silently grew until it filled the sky. When the storm hit, it lived up to its savage appearance. We were pelted and stung by gravel lifted from the drive as we made a run for the house. We headed for the basement as all of our senses were overwhelmed by the violence that was going on outside. Debris was flying through the air and the wind sounded like a living thing.
It didn’t last very long and we were soon able to go out and assess the damage. Our yard had been transformed in that short time. Shingles, leaves, branches and twigs covered it so deeply that it was difficult to maneuver. Several old trees lining the road had fallen, and, as always seems the case, landed on the fence.
Living in the country requires a lot of work and one of the continuing jobs is maintaining the fences. Every storm seems to drop a limb or tree on them; livestock lean on them or push under them until the fence collapses. We use electric fences on part of the horse pastures, but even these fences require constant monitoring to keep weeds from growing up against them and shorting them out.
Fences have little effect on the chickens, who wander the place freely and the dogs are geniuses at finding ways under, over and through.
It would help if the animals realized that the fences are for their own good. They are kept from traffic and from getting lost or stolen. They are assured of safety and our care as long as they stay within the confines of the fences.
Our Heavenly Father’s laws are like those fences. They are there not just to put unneeded restraints on our life, but for our own good. If we stay within the boundaries that He has set for us, we can be assured of safety and His care.
Unlike our fragile fences, God’s laws stand firm through storms and pressures from within and without. But they can be breached by anyone determined to stray from their protection. Why would we do so? Why would we push through to the dangers outside when we have the most wonderful of gifts in our loving Father’s hands encircling us?
Animals don’t have the reasoning power of humans, so they don’t understand the dangers lurking in that freedom beyond the fences. We should know.
“Within thy circling power we stand; on every side we find Thy hand,” Hymn 60
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One