Playing In the Dirt: A Call Back to Simplicity
WRITTEN BY: Anne Gibbs
When I was a child my mom would dress me in pretty outfits, pamper me a bit, and try her best to tame my wild, curly hair. Bless her for the effort because the second I stepped outside it all went out the window. My happy place was always the same: sitting in the dirt, digging in her garden, or lounging in the grass, completely immersed in the ground beneath me and the world around me.
My dad lovingly nicknamed me “dirtball.”
Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, though, the dirt got replaced with dreams. I’ve always been passionate and determined to live a life of purpose. I strive to use the gifts God gave me to make a difference. I’ve had a vision for my life since I could form thoughts, and I keep pushing toward new heights.
But to be real with you? Some days, I’m energized and focused, charging toward the goal. Other days, I feel completely lost, unsure what my dreams even are or what God might be calling me into next. On those days, I fall asleep praying, “Lord, what is the purpose of all this?”
When I’m not traveling for work, I still find myself drawn to the dirt. I’ll abandon my computer in the late afternoon and head out to dig in my garden. Not much has changed from childhood, I guess.
A Simple Purpose
No matter how polished or professional I try to appear, nothing makes me feel more like myself than being outside, grounded in creation. Especially when the work I do as a humanitarian feels more uncertain than ever.
We talk a lot about calling, about doing and producing and building the Kingdom. And yes, God has created each of us with gifts and passions to serve in a broken world. But here’s what took me years to realize: that’s not the main reason He made us.
God, our Father, created us for relationship. Not because we’ve earned it or because He needs us to perform, but simply because He loves us.
Let’s go back to the beginning:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees…’ And it was so. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:1, 1:11–12 NIV)
So good, in fact, that He wanted someone to share it with. Out of the dust, He created humankind:
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7 NIV)
From the very beginning, we were created to walk closely with a loving God in the beauty of His creation.
When I allow myself to break away from the noise and return to the simplicity of the dirt–just like I did as a kid–I find peace. I feel more at home. I’m reminded that while I may feel pressure to hold everything together, God already has a plan in motion. He has already thought through the logistics:
The sun provides the light.
The rain nourishes the ground.
The insects and plants work in harmony to produce food.
The whole system, when left in His hands, works beautifully.
And all of it tells a story about who He is, and how He made us.
A Simple Reminder
The insects remind me of His intentionality. Even the smallest creatures have a purpose.
The flowers remind me of His timing. Some take years to bloom, forming deep roots before they ever show up above ground.
The fruit reminds me that pruning leads to abundance. Growth happens when we let the Gardener remove what’s holding us back.
Can you see the parallels?
God could’ve created a machine. Instead, He created a garden–alive, organic, messy, and beautiful. Just like us. And as much as He delights in the bees and blooms, He loves us even more. All He’s asking is that we walk with Him.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them… See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:26, 28–29 NIV)
Of course, this doesn’t mean we get to ignore responsibility. We’re women of faith. We’ve been invited into God’s redemptive work. But even in the hustle and heartache, we can rest–because our worth isn’t in the work. It’s in the relationship.
Back in Genesis, Adam and Eve were given purpose: to care for the garden. But they were also given something far more precious: the presence of God, walking with them in the cool of the day.
That was the rhythm God designed:
Work with Him.
Walk with Him.
Talk with Him.
Rest with Him.
It’s the same invitation today.
This is what the Kingdom is all about. And the good news, friend, is that we don’t have to wait to experience it. Jesus says, “Come to me, especially if you’re weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Come to Him even when things are going great. His presence is always the prize.
He didn’t design us to work until we collapse or fight for a seat at the table. He has only ever wanted us to walk in step with Him, to share in His heart for the world.
So, let me ask you:
When was the last time you played in the dirt?
Or just sat in the grass?
When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice the wind in the trees or the rhythm of your breath?
I love that when I look at my garden, it’s the diversity that makes it beautiful. Each plant, each bug, each season plays a part. And did you know? Research shows that when our bare hands or feet touch the earth, our bodies absorb healing energy that helps reset and restore us. Here’s the science if you’re curious.
Surprised? We shouldn’t be.
He took dirt and made life–life He wants to share with you. And through that same soil, life still abounds.
When we’re striving and overwhelmed.
When we’re joyful and celebrating.
God waits in His creation, hears what’s on our hearts, and is ready to walk with us .
Simply Return
You are His daughter.
Even now. Even with the to-do list. Even in the unknown.
So go ahead. Kick off your shoes. Sink into the grass. Let the warmth of the sun remind you of His affection.
Let Him whisper what He’s always wanted you to know:
His promises for you are sure.
His love for you is never-ending.
And more than anything, He wants to walk with you in the garden.
About the Author
Anne Gibbs is an award-winning communications professional and humanitarian dedicated to advancing equitable community solutions.
Guided by a deep commitment to serving alongside vulnerable populations, Anne harnesses the power of storytelling to amplify voices, inspire action, and spark meaningful change.
Her work lives at the intersection of strategy, empathy, and purpose—transforming communities and helping build a more just and inclusive future for all.
At the heart of her advocacy is a mission to empower women to recognize and courageously embrace their God-given potential as influential leaders and changemakers. Learn more at www.untoldimpact.com.