Boundaries — My Writing

Contributor piece for Ministry Spark Blog. Read the full article HERE

The Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s worth a trip. My family and I visited there over a decade ago. The beauty of the place is so expansive and awe-inspiring. It draws you in, urging you to see as much as possible. I remember feeling curious as I stepped onto an overlook platform with my husband and four children.

My youngest daughter was still strapped to my chest in a baby carrier, while my five-year-old twin girls and my three-year-old son were eager to explore the place. They made their way to the end of the platform to look out over the Canyon through the plexiglass barrier.

A sense of wonder and fear overtook me.

The act of intentionally setting boundaries provides safety for the soul.

I was grateful for the barrier that kept us safe and out of harm’s way. In the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon, we can find an allegory for the leadership journey. Just as the Canyon has protective barriers, our souls require intentional boundaries to guide us toward peace, embrace possibility, and protect us from overextension.

Setting Boundaries: Finding Peace

The Grand Canyon’s protective barriers and our soul’s intentional boundaries are closely correlated. Deliberately setting limits in our leadership roles becomes an act of self-preservation and creates room for peace. Just as the Canyon’s boundaries shield us from the dangers of its majestic depths. Imagine this: the massive and breathtaking Canyon, a canvas of natural artistry, drawing you in, much like the allure of leading in ministry.

I remember the moment I was on the platform, with my youngest daughter strapped to my chest and my other children eagerly peering through the plexiglass. I felt a blend of curiosity and caution. Being a leader is like a dance between exploring the possibilities and respecting the limitations.

The act of intentionally setting boundaries provides safety for the soul.

As leaders, it is within these boundaries that we can take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of our purpose without fear of overextension. The peace that comes from these limits is not an absence of challenges but instead a harmonious coexistence with them.

Embracing Possibility Without Overextension

The allure of possibility is powerful. The extensive wilderness of the Grand Canyon extends an invitation to explore it. However, the plexiglass boundaries, metal railings, and paths serve as gentle guides, preventing visitors from venturing too close to the cliff’s edge, much like the boundaries we set for our souls prevent us from venturing too close to the edge of exhaustion.

There is a healthy balance between curiosity and limitation. It fosters an environment where leaders can nurture their desire for exploration while still respecting their capacities. Leadership sets the tone for a community. Creating an environment that inspires growth while acknowledging the need for rest and renewal is important.

In establishing clear boundaries for our souls, we create a healthy model and lead with compassion that enables our teams to thrive without succumbing to the pressures of overextension.

Protection: Setting Boundaries Ensures Safety and Security

Boundaries should not be restrictive, but protective. Reflecting on the moments when boundaries shielded my children at the Canyon, I recognize their vital role in safeguarding my life. Ignoring these limits jeopardizes our well-being and the well-being of the communities and people we serve.

Humans are wired to seek connections and build relationships with others. But, in doing so, it is easy to forget the importance of setting boundaries. Boundaries are the limits we establish to protect our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

They serve as a means of protection for us and those around us. We must first acknowledge the purpose of boundaries to respect them.

Navigating Leadership with Boundaries: A Biblical Compass

Learning to love God, ourselves, and others in Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:37-39

Matthew 22:37-39 is a compass guiding us in the right direction, reminding us of the interconnectedness of loving God, others, and ourselves. Loving ourselves, far from selfishness, is part of recognizing our inherent value as God’s creation.

By setting boundaries, leaders embody love for themselves, equipping them to authentically love God and serve others with a heart of abundance.

Finding Refuge in Psalm 16:5-8

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:5-8

Psalm 16 reminds us to acknowledge the Lord as our security source and find refuge in Him. As leaders, we carry a great responsibility that can be demanding at times, but by recognizing God as our portion and cup, we find assurance and peace.

When we learn to set healthy boundaries, we experience greater freedom, peace, and joy.

It’s incredible how boundaries can even allow us to praise God during difficulties and inherit unshakable strength. By keeping our eyes always on the Lord and allowing Him to guide us, we can become pillars of strength and stability and inspire those around us.

Proverbs 4:23 – Safeguarding the Heart of Leadership

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23

Proverbs 4:23 urges leaders to place a high value on their well-being and establish boundaries to protect their hearts. This is a self-preserving act and a way to become an authentic and impactful leader.

In learning to guard their hearts, leaders shield themselves from harm and set a strong foundation for their leadership.

Establishing and respecting boundaries is a wise and loving way to navigate the complexities of leading. We all face challenges that exhaust us, both mentally and emotionally. That’s why it’s essential to set boundaries for our souls. It may sound counterintuitive, but setting limits can safeguard our well-being and give us the strength and wisdom to be healthy leaders.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed as a leader, it may be time to set some boundaries.

Remember that it’s not about being restrictive but rather about safeguarding your soul’s well-being and empowering you to navigate challenges with strength and endurance.