Do You Need to Set Some Boundaries?

This week has been a doozy. Between lots of work and prepping for finals, I'm traveling (for work) and that creates its own challenges. It's been a long week and I'm looking forward to a nap. 

But, before I do, let's chat. Last week, I wrote about boundaries and how they are God's idea. He sets boundaries for us to ensure our safety. When we live inside them, blessings come. Today, I'm writing about the need for us to set boundaries in our everyday lives for what we will live with and what we won't so we can live free and at peace.

Have you ever had a good friend who had a habit that drove you crazy? Or was just an annoyance? But, the habit made you avoid contact with them or limit your time with them. They were different than you and it drove a wedge between you. Ever given someone access to you and they didn't live up to the level of access causing you to be hurt or back away from them? 

When that happens, you can't actually put boundaries on other people or force them to rise to the level of your expectation. But, you can give yourself some boundaries about what you will or will not do or live with to obtain and maintain peace. And, you can be honest with your friend about whatever the issue is. It's our responsibility to voice what we see going on - people cannot read our minds (Prov 27:5-6). 

Just because we raise an issue with someone, doesn’t mean it has to be a confrontation or a heated conversation. We can still remain friends, when we talk out our issues or problems (Amos 3:3). No one has to change for us, but we can set parameters so our relationships can be maintained (Prov 27:9).  At the end of the day, a quote from Lysa TerKeurst is appropriate - "Mean what you say. Say what you mean. And, don't say it mean." 

Check yourself and see if maybe you have allowed some people into places they never should have been, given their level of responsibility. It's not too late to set some boundaries and have some conversations where you need them.