PRESSURE

The house we live in is on a hill, actually on the side of a hill. Living in a hilly area definitely has its advantages - a few of those advantages are that wildlife really seems to like it, when our boys were little they could sled down a snowy hill right out the back door, and it’s also great exercise walking up and down the hills (although not everyone would consider this an advantage). A few disadvantages are trying to drive up a snowy hill, mowing on a hill, and probably the most frustrating thing of all is trying to manage the water in the springtime from snow melt and spring rains.

The earths pressure crumbled these huge slabs of limestone

Several years back I had the ambitious idea to build a large garage into the side of our hill. My thought was to take advantage of as much space as possible. The extreme frustration and shear physical exhaustion from making this project come to fruition was overwhelming, and still is to this day. The challenges come from water that flows downhill and directly toward the garage. It’s amazing how much pressure water creates! Water from rainfalls flowing down a hill can wash out anything in its path. When the ground water freezes, it expands, actually heaving the earth. When the frozen ground water thaws in the spring, the frost leaving the ground causes it to heave even more before settling back in place. The pressure is immense! In order to keep the pressure from crushing the garage and surrounding retaining walls, great lengths have been taken to release the pressure. Drain tile and gravel around the garage to give it a place to go, and gutters with downspouts to redirect. So far, the results are promising.

If any of you have experienced anxiety or panic attacks, you know that these are typically the result of built up fear/anxiety/stress (aka pressure). Finding positive ways to redirect or release pressure is crucial in preventing situations that can crush our foundation and wash away our path.

Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise-in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?