Muck: moist farmyard dung otherwise known as manure
Other similar words: guck, mire, mud, ooze, slime, slop
Why does muck or mud create suction on our boots when we walk in it? We all know it does, but why?
I consulted cyberspace, (more commonly known as "google") and found that getting stuck in mud is quite the international phenomenon. It's hilarious to watch someone trying to get themselves out of the thick goo. Whether the adventurers are doing it for fun or are begging for help, the person behind the camera seems to always chuckle. I love that laughter can be recognized in any language.
According to an article that appeared in a 1909 issue of Popular Mechanics*, mud is so hard to break free from that it is the best method for securing your anchor.
"Mud holds an anchor best of all, as it allows the anchor to dig deep down and not only holds firm by hooking onto the mud, but by the suction as well. Some people cannot understand how mud bottom forms a good anchorage; but if these will take off their shoes and stockings some day and walk through shallow water and mud where they sink 6 inches or so into that mud, the principle will be satisfactorily explained."
So if you drop something in the mud, not only does it sink in, it's also sucked in. The longer I go in my sin, the deeper I sink into it. The longer I choose to walk in the flesh, the more I am sucked into it. Though I can't personally relate to being stuck in actual mud, because I hate mud, I hate the way it cakes all over your shoes, I have many years of experience mucking about in spiritual mire.
In my previous post, I mentioned my struggle with jealousy. Why was I always finding myself in the same muck? Hadn't I grown spiritually? I thought I was strong enough to resist temptation. What did it mean that I had failed again? As painful as my disappointment in myself was, I wouldn't step out of the muck. I just wanted to sit down and wallow in it. I was so tired of myself, I thought, surely, the Lord must be also.
Do you know what I'm talking about? Do you ever feel stuck in the muck of your sin, tired of being you, disappointed in yourself?
*by Henry Haven Windsor, (Vol 11, page 474)
Hey Amy, I can definitely relate to being "stuck in the muck of my sin" .. I was journaling about it this morning, telling God how frustrated I was with myself! Tired of being fearful and resentful.. I seem to be in a perpetual helpless state these days. At the same time, I've also been learning a lot about repentance. Are they connected? Where do we go from here?
ReplyDeleteRepentance is definitely connected!
ReplyDeletewhere we go from here is to expose the flesh, then you'll know exactly what you need to repent of.