Fences

I hope your Easter weekend and Spring Break (if you are lucky enough to get one) were enjoyable.  My family got to take a trip to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.  For those, that haven't been, I'd strongly recommend it.

It was incredible to see so many of the animals native to the Pacific Northwest roaming in their natural habitat.

In essence, we were God's creation, enjoying God's creation within God's creation.  (Mind blowing, right?)
At one point on the tram tour, the guide referenced the tall chain link fence that surrounded the 435 acre reserve.  He said, "The fence you see runs along the entire perimeter of the free roaming area.  These are free-roaming animals-- free to travel anywhere within the free-roaming area.  This is not a zoo.  The fence is not to cage them in, but to keep predators out..."

As early as the account of Creation in Genesis, God has been putting up "fences" for our protection by the way of rules or laws.

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Genesis 2:16-17 (NIV)

We have freedom in Christ.  We are free to roam anywhere WITHIN the laws that God has put up for us.  These rules are not there to hinder or oppress us.  They are there to keep our predators out.
In John 10:10 (NIV), Jesus states:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

As parents, it is our job to help our children understand this concept as well.  One of the best ways we can do this is modeling it in our daily walk.  As we appropriately exercise our freedoms in obedience to God, we earn the right to ask the same of our children.
Take some time to speak to your teen about the predators in their life and help them to understand the importance of the "fences" that God (and you) have set up for their protection.