Dirt about dirt July 6, 2009

Apparently, my mind is in need of a science day. The difference between dirt and earth has caught my interest. Hard to believe, I know. This is the unsanitized truth of where my blog ideas come from. But I digress…It has occurred to me that there is a difference between the dirt on my carpet and terra firma. But what is it exactly? I had to explore. Quickly, I learned that the most fertile topsoil extends down only a foot or so (unless you live here in Colorado where clay meets you at about 1-1/2″). And, while soil contains rock particles it is far more than that; soil contains life — as it is and as it breaks down.The dirt about dirt: Plants and animals live on the surface — their topsoil homeland is the ground you and I walk on. One purpose of plants is to keep the soil from drying out (see desert). Just like a giant compost pile, on this level organic matter (plants and animals) die, decompose and feed new life. The layer just below topsoil is where most of the “plant food” is found. A plant will try to seek its roots deeply into this section in order to enjoy all it can. As water soaks into the earth, this is likely where it settles with the rich mineral deposits and clay found here. Deeper still all that can be found are rock particles and minerals. On this level there is still some subjectivity to the elements. In fact it may have found its way here as the result of a glacier or other type of erosion. But don’t be mistaken, at this level absolutely nothing organic grows. And then there is bedrock. This stuff is solid. Before anything above it, this rock was here — set in place as the foundation. Yes, it can be weathered to the surface over time or jolted up by some seismic shift  but it is solid. As mentioned above,  the layer just below the topsoil is a place into which the mightiest cypress trees yearn to sink their roots. It is in the densest most nutrient and water rich section. From here, the behemoths will not easily be uprooted. Spiritually speaking, this is where I want my roots to take. And, this is my most fascinating find — or should I say, ephiphany: Beyond the deepest place I can grow, there is a layer of earth where nothing can. It is a great unknown. A layer of rock and minerals which can only be revealed over time, seasons and erosion. It is a mysterious void just before the bedrock. Intriguing. Learning from the famous passage in Luke 8:4-15, I guess the layer between the subsoil and bedrock never made my seismic radar. Somewhere in God’s grand scheme, He built in mystery. We are not intended to reach our roots into that place — we don’t get all access, all answers, source. I know it isn’t a new analogy, but think about that. The bedrock is solid. While our roots can sink deep into the soil of God, we can never breakdown the rock of His foundation. That means there is an intentional space which will always leave us in wonder and awe. Faith is required here. Deeper, exceedingly immovable and more glorious than the Grand Canyon at sunset, He is the one, indestructable, true solid — omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent.   The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. ~ Hebrews 11:1-2 (The Message)   Want an adventure? Dig deep inside. Where are your roots? What level of soil have you penetrated in the Spirit? Are you hungry/thirsty for what is deeper? If so, ask God what needs to happen to get there. Spend some time here. Growth requires it. Now, think about the mystery — the great gap between what you and I can comprehend and the bedrock of who He is and what He promises us. Sink your roots into that. FAITH! AWESOME WONDER! That we may GROW in Him!