Undergirded
I appreciate this reflection captured in the waters of the Mississippi River, beneath the bridge I travel daily, along with thousands of other commuters. Reflections are stunning and beautiful. The underside of a bridge often is not as flashy and majestic as the bridge itself, but it is no less important.
Its beauty lies in the quiet strength it exudes. This scene brought the word undergirded to my mind. I came across these definitions:
-secure or fasten from the underside, especially by a rope or chain passed underneath
-provide support or a firm basis for
-synonyms: brace up, beef up, fortify, strengthen, make strong or stronger
It leads me to ask who and what supports me? What provides a firm basis for my existence, for this daily life I move through? The list of “who” is long–my husband Darcy, our family, our extended families, friends of decades and recent times, recovery connections, colleagues in the office next door, or the classroom down the hall. These are the people I know and interact with regularly.
What about the countless others who help bring food to my table, maintain roads for me to safely drive on, provide medical and dental care, and so much more? Some of them I will never meet, but I am no less grateful for their forms of support. Our existence as a nation and a society is undergirded by our history, our constitution, and our shared values as humans.
(It feels like a tenuous time in our existence, but I have faith in us, faith that these undergirded values will prevail. Values like love, compassion, doing meaningful work, contributing our talents, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.)
When I stay out of my own way, I am fortified and strengthened by a patient and loving Higher Power. When faith is alive in me and through me, there is good in every day. I strive to share the good energy, make lasting contributions, and undergird this little corner of the planet where I can have an impact.
I will be heading out the door for a run soon. This earthly vehicle that carries me along is full of intricacies and supports, not visible, but plugging along inside. Amazing infrastructure. Just like the bridge above.
Awe and gratefulness undergird my mindset and strengthen my resolve as I head into another day of possibilities.
What are you undergirded by today?
