It is always a process to build fence on the farm. My father-in-law James is highly particular about how they are constructed. He always says, “We build fence to last at least fifty years…so get your post holes dug straight and pick the right hedge posts!”
Picking the right hedge posts is more of an art than a science. There was a time when I was earlier in my fence-building career and helping James pick through the stack of cut hedge posts…
“Nope not that one, that belongs on a corner…hmmm this one would do well next to the gate.” Here’s the problem…they all looked the same to me, but I started to catch on to the subtle characteristics that made certain posts meant for specific spots on the fence line.
Corner posts needed to be wide girthed and dense…
Gate posts needed to be straighter than an arrow and consistent in circumference…
Thinking back to these fence building experiences the same could be said of our lives and our appointments to teach this coming school year.
God doesn’t make mistakes in where he places us in our lives. We’ve been placed in the schools and communities we work in for a specific purpose. Our responsibility is opening ourselves to his leading in what that might be.
This coming year the Lord has laid a lot on my heart as we prepare for the new school year. I am comforted to know that I am not alone, but working beside others who have also been appointed for this place, this time, and this moment.
God’s on the move…will we give chase?
Perennial Educator 