In some circumstances “digging up dirt” implies that someone is trying to find things that could expose another and thereby destroying them, or their reputation. Another approach, is that dirt is actually the very fabric that brings life. So, we’re going to be doing the kind of dirt-digging that brings life. Abundant life.
The Creator of dirt, God,was actually the first to “dig up dirt” when he created Adam. He formed the first human in the very likeness of Himself using the very same dirt that is often described as filth today. When Adam came to life, and walked the earth, he shared his existence with the Tree of Life, which stands in the very center of Adam’s existence. This Tree flourished because it was rooted in nutrient-rich soil; it stood firm and seemed to wave an invitation for anyone curious about coming under its cover.
In that same Garden was the tree of the knowledge of good & evil. Digging up dirt around this plant will expose knowledge of how to destroy someone’s life. So, there they were, two trees, with two radically different agenda’s for dirt and the root system within. One with a root system with constant stress, poisoned soil, and void of good fruit. The Tree of Life: thriving!
Advance forward, to current day, and you can see for yourself where man has “worked the soil” to either bring life or death. As a gardener, I loved how John Sandford/Elijah House would talk about hectic days that led him in to his garden for the simple task of turning the soil. Squatting, he would lean in to the richness of the good earth, run his fingers through it, scoop it up and inhale the goodness of life. That simple ritual and he was refreshed and revived – ready to stride back in to the routine. For those who doubted this scientists have proven it factual.
According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, 30 minutes of gardening reduces stress levels more effectively than 30 minutes of reading quietly in a room. They conclude; “Perhaps the secret lies in the dirt itself.” Also, studies show a link between a common bacterium (M.vaccae) found in garden soil that increased serotonin levels, meaning less anxiety and better concentration. Gardeners inhale this bacterium while digging in the soil.
But, what if there is no soil to glean from? Recently, a client was in need for me to “dig up some dirt” in her life and to be introduced to some “bacterium.” I equated it to a root-bound plant that has roots desperately searching for that life-giving source. It becomes tangled within itself as it seeks freedom to grow. A potted plant will become root bound when there is no more dirt to thrive from. The root system will be chasing after itself, desperately trying to find the source of life (dirt) so that it can grow. Instead, it is just a mass of white roots, form-fitted the shape of the pot – becoming a pseudo-pot without any hope for freedom. A pot prison.
The remedy is to break up the roots, put them in a larger pot, and add the life-giving Source. Finally, the roots will shout for joy as they now can experience their God-given purpose – freedom to thrive! The same with my client. We start with asking Jesus to show us the reason she is still in that “pot” that is too small. Why the pot-prison? Once we have discovered the reason for this endless cycle it is time to address it, break up the root ball, (or stronghold), and add the true Source of Life (not the filth) that will nourish and unveil the life God intended for her. Freedom to thrive where it once looked impossible.
What about you? Can you go out and dig up some dirt today? Is someone waving an invitation to you? Maybe you need someone to help you. Either way – don’t remain root bound and chocking. Instead, take that invitation and come under the cover of the Tree of Life – rooted and grounded in Christ.
LouiseZ