Saturday, April 2, 2022

"Boundaries"

 

“Boundaries”

 

On the northern end of the town in which I grew up was Boundary Avenue, which I think defined the borders of school districts. In Idaho Boundary County abuts British Columbia, Canada. Dividing lines between nations, states/provinces and other geographical entities are called boundaries as they mark the limits of administrative authority. Sometimes they’re clearly designated; at other times they’re difficult to determine until the property tax bill arrives and we know who gets our check.

During my chaplaincy training we were required to write verbatims, a fancy term for a blow-by-blow description and analysis of patient encounters. One of my most memorable ones involved a lady whom we termed a “frequent flyer” (a patient who was admitted on multiple occasions). I was spending some time with her when the IV beeper went off. She called the nurse and asked that the bag be changed. After about two minutes she told (not asked) me to get the nurse to come immediately. I declined to do so and said the staff was likely attending to another patient and would be with her as soon as they could. When I presented the account to my colleagues it prompted a lively discussion on setting boundaries in our patient care. I pointed out that this was a biblical principle from Galatians 6:2,5: “Carry each other’s burdens…each shall carry (his or her) own load.” The difference is between helping and enabling.

When we carry another’s burdens we’re providing assistance to one who’s unable (not unwilling) to meet his or her own needs. But it’s enabling if we do what someone can and ought to do for themselves or run the risk of reinforcing unhealthy or inappropriate habits. 17th century political philosopher Algernon Sidney is thought to have originated the saying, “God helps those who help themselves.” While not a biblical statement it has an element of truth. At times Jesus called for effort on the part of those He helped (“Stretch out your hand,”—Mark 3:5; “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”—Luke 17:14; “Pick up your mat and walk.”—John 5:8) before meeting their need. Often God’s power kicks in when our human strength and abilities reach their limit and He then sees us through.

God also sets boundaries for our behavior (note The Ten Commandments). We’re assured they’re “…not burdensome….” (1 John 5:3) but are given for our good and protection. (I shudder to think of the messes I’d get into without them!) Let’s pray that we’ll see them in this way and use them to His glory in our walk with Him.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan


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