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Three Gardens--Part One: Searching for Eden


There is something in us all that is drawn to a garden. We spend hours on Pinterest, hundreds at Home Depot, and thousands on vacations and ventures, in search of finding or creating a little piece of paradise, where we can sink our toes into the cool grass and breathe in the fragrances that make us think, consciously or not, "This must be what Heaven is like."

This month, we will explore the root cause of such quests (no pun intended), by unraveling the mysterious connection between us and three particular gardens (in the Bible).

I was evidently taking a nap or hiding with a book somewhere when the green thumbs were passed out, so every season involves clearing away the wilted or crunchy attempts at gardening and replacing them with fresh unsuspecting little plants and blooms to improve my home's curb appeal (more like HGTV, less like the Munster's house). Nevertheless, I'm still THAT person who slows down to take pictures of fields of wildflowers, or, on a particularly weak day, I might even pull over and pick some for my table.

I'm also a hopeless nature nut. The greenbelt nature trail in my neighborhood is painfully suburban, the wind in the trees and birdsongs competing with nearby traffic noise and barking dogs, but there is something about it that lures me to a cool morning walk, makes me dreamy, and leaves me much calmer than when I walked in.

What is it about such places that draws us? Why is it that we find the wilderness and the woods so intriguing? There is a simple explanation. We were made, modeled, and intended for Eden. There, we were carefree, whole and unashamed. We walked and talked with God, face to face, as we would a dear friend and daily companion. There, he provided for our every need--physical, spiritual and intellectual. In Eden, we were safe and secure, without worries or fear, worlds away from anxiety, distress, and regret. It was a perfect place, where we had perfect peace, and we want that--we need it. We crave it. We long for Eden.

Nothing else can answer such a deeply innate craving. We try to fill it with distractions and amusements, racking up accomplishments and building our Facebook friends' list and social calendars, but the truth is this: there is no level of human affirmation that can take the place of friendship with God. Our quest for paradise is nothing more than a misinterpretation of what we really, truly, deeply need. We want to be back in Eden. And God wants to meet us there.

Whether you're in hot pursuit of your dreams and goals, or burning out, out on the run from past pain and future fears, one thing you need--and must find--is your Eden. Your quiet place with God. Talk with him. Walk with him. He wants to be your shelter, your refuge, your confidant.

"Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." --Psalm 62:8
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