Are You Grounded?
The "Dirt" on Remembering "Whose" You Are
Spring Means Dirt!
I dug my hands into the dirt clods, applying pressure and enjoying the crumble and release. Cold, dark soil fell through my fingertips back onto the ground. I mounded it around the roots of my clematis.
Ahh, so satisfying. Again and again, I found the clods and squished them out over the ground. I glanced at the dirt under my fingernails and thought for the third time that I should get my gardening gloves. But I didn’t, because the dirt felt good in my hands. So what if it ruined my nail polish? Sometimes, digging in the dirt is worth it.
I never thought I would take to gardening as much as I do, but when we moved into our new home some 28 years ago, there was nothing but dirt. So, we planted and watered grass. I used unearthed smaller rocks to shape a front flower bed. Then, with the help of my husband, I planted bushes, flowers, and a beautiful cherry tree. Next came pots of tomatoes and peppers for our deck, and a vegetable garden out back.
Like many in the spring, I loosen winter-packed soil, prepare fresh dirt, pull the weeds, and plant colorful petunias, marigolds, and begonias in our beds and pots. I enjoy every minute of playing in the dirt. Joy comes because I know my efforts will produce future beauty, if only I’m patient and let the growth cycle take its natural course.
Gardening is one way many of us feel close to God. After all, God made the first garden and everything in it! Three gardens are mentioned in the Bible—the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the restored heavenly garden in our future. Gardening offers us many opportunities to see and understand our Heavenly Father better.
In The Garden
In my garden, I surprise bugs and beetles, unearth earthworms, and thrill to the spring birds chirping while I work. I ponder God’s creation---the plants, the creatures, and the flowers I enjoy. Then I remember how God formed Adam from the dirt—DIRT! And breathed life into him to create living flesh. How amazing!
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
(Gen. 2:7, NIV).
The Bible tells us we are all made in God’s image, and made to worship him.
I remember the fun we enjoyed as children rolling out Play-Doh, squishing it, forming shapes and creatures. Perhaps God felt the same satisfaction pressing and sculpting Adam out of the earth, and Eve out of his rib. And I know that as our “Master Gardener,” God also waits patiently while we “grow” into our faith.
God said that in the beginning, his creation was “very good.” Anytime I’ve created something worthwhile or “good”, I feel similar joy from my efforts.
What Is “Grounding?”
In the natural health community today, there’s a holistic practice called “grounding” (or “earthing”) for a healthier life. Web MD tells us the practice of “grounding” merely involves standing or walking barefoot on the earth to facilitate a transfer of electrons. There is even a “grounding mat” you can now purchase to lie on, to replicate the same effect. “Grounding” is supposed to lower inflammation, ease stress, and improve sleep. (Apparently, we now need to remind ourselves that our physical bodies are made for the earth and are happier outside! )
But one thing I know for sure: “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” We are built FROM the dirt and will return TO the dirt. Our time on this earth is short. (As I care for an elder whose body is failing, I am doubly reminded of this fact).
Yes, there’s value in staying physically fit and in touch with the earth. But the Scriptures remind us that staying spiritually fit or “grounded” helps us keep our eyes on God. Otherwise, fallen human nature sneaks in to waste our precious days!
How do we stay spiritually “grounded,” you ask?
Seek God—talk with Him throughout your day, pray often.
Dig into the depth of his words and love through Scripture.
Worship and delight in him.
Ask him to help mold your character to his.
Keep eternity in mind, and your eyes on Him.
We need to savor our earthly life---this one is all we get. We should make the most of each moment in our day, whether working, relating, or relaxing.
Because earthly days tend to slip away fast. Recalling how God formed us from the dirt reminds us of who we are, “whose” we are, and of our need to stay spiritually “grounded” for a future in eternity.
So, by all means, get outside and play in some spring dirt! Walk barefoot across the grass and engage in some “grounding.” It’s a privilege to partner with God, making earthly things grow while he works on our spiritual growth…
(…And don’t worry about the dirt under your fingernails! It’s totally worth it!)
*Your turn!
What is your favorite springtime activity? Do you like gardening as well?
For Worship!
This one’s guaranteed to get you dancing :)
*Photo by Nikola Jovanovic on Unsplash.
Jen, I so enjoy your descriptions of your hands in the dirt and disturbing bugs and children squishing playdough. I can see and feel all of it.