No Sinking Sand

by Whitney Simpson

Ever have one of those days where nothing extra is planned, but lots of the extra and even the unexpected happens? During a day of driving family members to doctor's appointments, meeting deadlines, and keeping my own appointments I was momentarily frustrated and feeling a bit off center.  My heart longed to make sure I was remaining grounded physically and emotionally and I refused to let the commitments before me sweep my feet out from under me.   Before it was possible to find the time to give myself a physical break, I started humming and couldn't stop.  I hummed over and over again the chorus of one familiar hymn.  

My humming kept me company in the car, in the kitchen, and even in line.  My humming laid a foundation for a week that only got busier instead of less busy.  My humming allowed me to be reminded of my hope and my foundation.  My humming kept me "in check" for the unexpected.  And, although the words wouldn't come to me in the car the day I began humming (and it is not cool or safe to Google hymn lyrics while driving), I knew the song I was humming would ground me to get through the day.  The chorus I was humming was a hymn of grace that reminded me my feet remain grounded even during busy days because they are grounded in Christ:

"The Solid Rock"

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Certainly, you've heard it before too and you may just cary it with you as well.  Turns out, this hymn was written in 1834 by Edward Mote as he was walking to work.  Edward was a cabinet maker.  I'm certain he knew lots about strong foundations.  His hymn suprisingly grounded me during a busy day and reminded me to stay away from the sinking sand.  Do hymns, scripture, or traditions ever ground you in surprising ways? 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for allowing us to bring our presence back to you in the simplest of ways.  Thank you for always keeping us grounded and rooted by your love and grace and to avoid the sinking sand.  Amen.