This post is part of the 2021 Writing Challenge. This challenge is open to anyone and involves writing on one word a week for 52 weeks. Write for yourself or write for others but either way, please feel free to share by posting a link in the comments (if you’re posting on this week’s word) or post on social using the #2021writingchallenge and tagging me on Twitter or Instagram, or posting on my FB page so I can repost. Happy Writing!
Little did I know last Friday when I wrote “Intend” that the UK would enter Lockdown #3 just days later. Between Brexit, Coronavirus, home-schooling, returning to work after two weeks off and watching the events in the United States, January has already been completely overwhelming. As someone who feels deeply and imagines greatly it is easy to lose my footing when the things that I believe maintain control in my world, be it democracy, solitude, or healthcare, are threatened. Not only that, but our family is facing some major decisions and we are desperately trying to discern the calling of seemingly silent God.
I know that God is there – he is there on Capitol Hill, he is in our hospitals and he is in our home and hearts. I know that in the confusion, darkness and loneliness God is there. I just can’t hear him or see him and because of this, it is more important than ever to keep my feet on the ground.
The ground is true. There is an indescribable contentment and peace that comes with being grounded and being one with the ground. In the past two years that I have had my allotment (a council owned piece of land that I rent to plant a garden- very British) I have often thought that I need a t-shirt that says, “I’d rather be at the allotment” because it is always true.
As I work the ground, I am grounded. As the dirt gathers under my fingernails the stresses of the world melt away. I think this is because the allotment gives me a lot of time to think and brings things into perspective. Through practical and kinaesthetic exercise there is clarity. I remember my why – the source that keeps me going so that no matter what is thrown my way, I can keep my footing and weather the storm.
I remember my why
I also keep grounded through scripture reading, meditation and prayer. I was reminded of this today not only as I talked with my husband about how our ministry team needs to be grounded in prayer but also as I spoke with my spiritual director about the decisions ahead of me. She told me to pray that God would reveal to me his big picture for my life and in that, find grounding.
In electronic circuit theory, a “ground” is often idealized as an infinite sink for a charge. It can absorb an unlimited amount of current without changing its potential. The currents of life can be fast and furious, but when we ground ourselves, we can withstand the often overwhelming charge and hold on to our beautiful God-given potential.
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