Eden

  The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15)

 

This morning after walking the dog, I spent some time harvesting borage, serviceberries, oregano, and a small variety of other flowers. It was as I was plucking serviceberries (Juneberries, Saskatoons, Shadberries) that I thought that this must be about as close to Eden as I can get. It wasn’t that I was so euphoric about picking berries, but for that time, I was working the land and taking care of it. The work involved wasn’t exhausting or burdensome. I was just puttering along, doing my thing and not stressing about life. Sadly, I quickly lost that feeling as I got involved in subsequent activities.

I’m not a Luddite. I don’t want to get rid of technology. I’m open to the possibility that I might actually like my smartphone – eventually. My father repaired mainframe computers, and I grew up watching Star Trek. I was surfing the web before it was called the Internet. Computers have always been at least at the corners of my life. The point is not “machines -  bad!” The point was the momentary connection with a life that might have been like things are supposed to be, and with the God who made it. People talk about how gardening is good for you, and this morning, I got some of that goodness.

That’s what brought today’s verse to mind. As I’ve thought about it, God hasn’t changed our purpose. Wherever we are is our garden. It’s flawed because of the Fall, but we are in a place where God has put us or allowed us to go. Our task is to work with what we find where we are and take care of it.

No, I’m not segueing into a rant about climate change. Whether or not “Climate Change” is taking place doesn’t matter to this discussion. Whose fault said Climate Change is doesn’t matter to this discussion. The point in this discussion is that you and I have each been put in our “Garden of Eden,” and it is our job to work it and take care of it. That’s not our only responsibility in life, but it's a big one, and if can be overwhelming. It will be years before my vision for my yard becomes reality – if it ever does. But today, I could pick berries, herbs, and flowers, and work on clearing the clog from my kitchen sink, and maybe learn a little about the flowers I’ll want for the next two garden beds. It’s not as easy as picking berries, but I wonder what would happen if people started working their land and taking care of it in a way that was good for the land and the people.

I’m not even talking about going as crazy with the notion as I think I am. But what if people took the time and energy to learn how to work with the climate and environment instead of imposing grass it? What if we started seeing our yards and homes as places to be protected and nurtured instead of as just another chore?

I don’t know. Maybe I’m way off base, but one of my poems comes to mind.  What if we stopped looking at our little Edens as an enemy to be conquererd?

 

Ode To The Mosquito

 

When God said, in Our image let Us make man,

to be steward over greatest and least

It was in His mind, part of His great plan,

To make such a tiny, delicate beast,

To be to man as man was then to God

To find in man her mercy, grace and love.

To seek from him her sustenance of blood.

It was freely giv’n by one made from sod

as gifts from friends or gifts from Heav’n above

It was like that before the Fall and Flood.

 

Then, doing just as she had done before

She gave to man the death that man had giv’n

Unwitting, guilty co-inheritor

of corruption by corruption driven

She is to man as man is now to God

Unwitting, guilty, we go our own way,

To our corruption, His answer is elegant.

Our sin caused His death, and we must applaud

His love and grace giv’n freely, so we may

each drink the blood of the New Covenant.

 

And when creation is once again free,

the humble mosquito, will we there find?

Ourselves in her image, will we then see?

Oh, for the day when we will not be blind

to God’s reflection in our very acts

When she asks for drink, will we kindly nod?

Will things be as when creation began?

Will she be allowed (Oh, the thought attracts!)

To be to man as man will be to God

Will she still be God’s metaphor for man?