The university where I work has blocked off paths which used to be used for vehicles and designated them walk only zones. I saw this happening today: A paramedic fire truck tried to get past one of the areas sectioned off for walk only. After wrestling with the tool which was supposed to drop the barriers, they grabbed their bags and walked to the building where the distress call had come from, leaving their truck with the lights still flashing. It made me think of how we block off lanes that could bring us help. How cutting ourselves off from people we do not want to deal with often will block those same people from being able to help us. Do you try to cut off people who help you see the loving, merciful God in a way He can help you grow? Do you avoid a time of fellowship each week where you can learn to live a life of community? Do you look down on others because they don't act like you or think like you? Do you put barriers up so people can't violate your space while, at the same time, they are prevented from getting to you in a time of need? I pray that you are finding ways that will help LEARN from Jesus, LIVE with other followers of Christ, and LOVE others by serving them. It begins by taking down the barriers in your life.