In the last 15 years or so the term “boundaries” has become almost a buzz word. So many couples I speak with think of boundaries as telling someone else what they must do or not do, like “you will never treat me like that again”.
Change comes from first knowing the way to freedom and then remembering it over and over again. It’s somewhat like studying a painting, seeing the beauty, complexity, the message, even being moved by it and then forgetting it as soon as you walk away.
The bible offers verses that encourage community and connection … such as “two are better than one” and “don’t forsake assembling of yourselves together”. When I read these, I sometimes take it as merely a suggestion.
I recently watched a documentary on gold miners in early California. I was astonished how incredibly hard their lives were, often with little reward of a nugget found. I’m sure what kept them going was the possibility of striking it rich.
What if there are proven, healthy nutrients for relationships? What if we have learned to eat a diet of junk food when it comes to marriage or parenting and know little of what makes relationships grow in a healthy way.