Fences

When I was growing up in the Chicago suburbs, there were lots of fences. Our neighborhood was a newer development in that area, down the block from my school. Yes, we walked to school, every day. But there were no hills, just lots of wind. Anyway, I digress...

One of my favorite things was our backyard, which did not have fences to other neighbor's yards. We could walk and play in our neighbor's back yard if we wanted to (he was an older man and didn't mind.) I really loved the idea of no fence. We knew where the property lines were. We had bushes separating our yard on one side. In the back, it was open for a few years until an international family moved in. They put up not only a chain-link fence, but a TALL one, with SLATS. We could see nothing in their yard. But the bonus was, since the fence was tall, balls didn't go over it as much. Next to our old man neighbor's yard, there was a fence, with a dog in it. It was a mean dog too. If a ball went over the fence, we did NOT try to get it, unless the dog was indoors. Even then... (flashes of scenes from "The Sandlot" come to mind... jumping and running...)

We could see several doors/ yards down. There were no wood fences, as I remember. Maybe since it was so windy all the time. Maybe since the winters were very cold and the wood just wouldn't take it...? Sometimes there were houses in the way, but I liked looking into other's yards, not in a nosy way, just friendly. Maybe that is what we are missing in today's society. Less fences, more being friends with our neighbors. You know, "Love your neighbor as yourself."(Luke 10:27)

I miss those days. I miss being able to ring the doorbell at my neighbor's house, as a little kid, and the older folks being delighted to see you, a little girl with crazy (probably frizzy) hair. Now I ring the doorbell as an adult and I feel like I need to have a purpose for bothering someone. I like chain link or hog wire (large squares) fences better than wood slats. But sometimes the chain link falls down, like in our backyard here. We took down our rotting split rail fence here and I like it much better. It's open and inviting, I think. No more mowing around a little fence.

I understand the need for privacy, and all that. But isn't that what the house is for? Go inside, close the blinds, turn off the lights and nobody knows you're home (especially if you park in the garage.) I doubt there are very many people sunning or doing chores outside with no clothes on (which you can see over a fence.)

There is something to be said about the good old days. Oh well, they are long gone, and here we are surrounded by fences. Maybe I'll go out and talk to my neighbors soon.

How about you? Do you like fences? Why or why not?


Leviticus 19:18
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Psalm 62: 1-6
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.