What I Want to Be This Year
The other night, after a long day with the girls, I took a walk around our land. Halfway through, on a hillside near where we want to build our home, I stretched across the grass in my down coat and just lay there. I stared up at that deepening, star-filling sky and at the blade of long grass near my hand. The grass cushioned my back; the dusk covered me like one of my infant daughter’s breathable muslin blankets, and I did that, there: I breathed and thought and prayed.
Grounded. That’s what I want to be this year.
My sister-in-law, as a joke, sent my husband a hippie article about grounding or earthing, which essentially states that we are constantly being bombarded with electricity. This wreaks havoc on our bodies and, over time, can give them a positive charge. The solution? Go without shoes to “ground” yourself to the earth (which has a mild negative charge) and return your body to a more neutral state.
I didn’t completely roll my eyes at this article, but I also didn’t slip chicken wire beneath our sheets or take off with all of my husband’s rubber-soled shoes when he wasn’t looking.
If your loved one has ever experienced an unexplained or rare illness, you are willing to try just about anything to make them well. But the more I contemplated this “grounding,” the less I saw it as a slightly hooky health craze and more of a picture of my spiritual state.
The past few years, I have definitely been bombarded with stressful events, which have threatened to alter my faith and positive outlook on life. Sometimes, after a hit, I can nearly feel my faith struggling to right itself like a Jolina-sized Weeble Wobble, and if I remain focused on what I see with my physical eyes, it’s harder to get back up . . . harder to trust that Jesus is writing our family’s story with a future and hope in mind.
But then, if I can let go of my temporal fears and shift my gaze skyward (why am I so afraid of death when we’ve been promised eternal life?), I am like Peter walking on water: if I keep my gaze focused on the One who is writing our story, my feet will remain “grounded” on a foundation that will not waver.
Grounded. That’s what I want to be this year.
What is your word and/or goal for 2018?
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Rebekah Love Dorris
Grounded. What a good word.
My word is “heartily.” I’m sick of being so wet cardboard about everything. I want to live “whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…”
That, and not be late. Ever again. 😀
jolina
Ha! That second one is my goal, too. My husband would love if I could keep it. 😉
MS Barb
Thank you for sharing your story & your word for 2018! God has made us all different, and your explanation of your word, “grounded” makes your word almost enviable… My word for 2018 is “GRATEFUL.” I lost my job the end of August, and even though I receive a pension, one of my biggest financial mistakes was not paying my home off ASAP…and, assuming I’d have time to pay off what I wanted RIGHT NOW at a later date. God has surprised in many ways since I lost my job, and I’m learning to trust HIM, and to be grateful for His blessings, big & small! (That includes finding even a penny on the ground, or on the floor at a store!)
GOD BLESS YOU IN THIS UPCOMING YEAR!
jolina
Ms Barb, you are always so chipper and joy-filled despite what you face. You are the epitome of GRATEFUL! Thank you for setting an example for the rest of us. May God provide for you in 2018!
Melissa Crytzer Fry
Ha.. I’ve been “earthing” for about 8 months and really think it makes a difference. And I’m not a hippie; actually learned about it in an article by an M.D.!!!
Here’s to grounding this year, my friend. Thinking about you and your oft-difficult journey, and sending good wishes.
jolina
Wow! I’m intrigued! I do think we spent WAY too much time in front of computers and smart phones; plus, Wi-Fi is everywhere these days, which can’t be healthy. What have you done to “ground” yourself? Do you use a grounding pad while you’re working?
Jacki Prettyman
I think it’s less a fear of death and instead a fear of the often painful (physical, emotional and mental) journey we go through as death grows closer. We also fear the loss of something precious and rare when death occurs. Unlike those who don’t have the comfort and peace of Christ, we also have hope and God’s constant presence during the journey. How thankful I am for that. Your post has given me something to think and pray about for the year; my own word. I look forward to reading updates on your “grounding” through this coming year, Jolina.
Nann
“Grounded” … I like your word and I’m just sure you’ll be perfectly fine if I borrow to make-it-my-own for this year. Enough with dithering around like a loose balloon. New Year’s hugs and good thoughts to you and your family, Jolina. It’s always a bright joy to read the words you write!
jolina
I’d be honored if “grounded” would be your word as well, Nann! Happy 2018!