Our modern conveniences give us the ability to work, shop, and be virtually connected to nearly everyone around the world. And while these technologies provide many benefits, it often results in us spending less time in each other’s physical presence or connected with the independent reality of nature. Coming back down to earth reminds us to stay in touch with our embodied selves and the physical world God has given us.
For instance, unless we’ve lived on a farm, most of us don’t have to think about the earthy realities it takes to bring food to our tables. Nearly everything we want is already cleaned and prepared for us to pick up at our convenience from the local store or have delivered to our house.
Playing with the neighborhood kids also used to mean playing outside together or in each other’s homes. And talking with a friend used to require us to occupy the same physical space and time. We could hear each other breathe, bump into each other, and even smell if someone showered or not.
Likewise, work used to require more of our physical presence. And this was not necessarily working with our hands, but at least interacting with the physical presence of others at some point along the way.
Whatever it looks like, it seems more and more of our life is becoming detached from physical realities. And while this opens up many new doors and possibilities, it also comes with the cost of becoming detached from our very selves and feeding our illusion that we are ultimately in control of life rather than God.
Humility is required to come back down to earth. It requires us to accept the limitations of our physical world and bodies. Yet this also brings a deeper appreciation for the beauty God has given his creation.
God created us as embodied beings and gave us a physical earth to occupy. And we miss much of his goodness when we don’t keep our feet grounded in these earthy realities.
In the end, make the most of modern conveniences and the latest technology without losing touch with the physical world God has given us. Living down to earth keeps you humble and grateful for our earthly existence.
Photo by Sabine van Straaten on Unsplash
