Genesis Garden

...the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden... Genesis 2:8

        I have discovered over the last few years that I really like to garden. I love to putter about, get dirt under my nails and see the results of my effort come July when the garden is bursting with colour. Although I can take some credit in the glorious display it really makes me sit back and consider how God delights in beauty – only He could create the intricate petals, delicate leaves and awesome shades that catch our eye. It seems to me when we go back to the beginning, the Lord God was the first gardener…

        From the moment the first tender seedlings are planted they need my attention. They often need support as they grow and protection from wildlife that would feed on the tender sprouts. Some shoot up quickly, I can see new growth daily. Others grow more slowly, taking time to establish deep roots.
        God has created me, an individual like no other, beautiful in His eyes. In my Christian journey I need His support and protection as I pass through my own stages of growth.

A river watering the garden flowed from Eden... Genesis 2:10

        Most of my garden, being in full sun, craves an abundant supply of water. I can provide some of that along with fertilizer. What amazes me is how God provides, through nature, rain, sunshine and pollination. As my flowers bloom, dead heading spent blossom encourages new growth.
        I became a new creation when I put my trust in the Lord. He took away what was old and dead in me, making room for new life. Without God’s Word and the fellowship of Christians I wither up and spiritually fade.

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

        In the area where I live the clay soil needs to be worked thoroughly. I add nourishment to it by incorporating organic matter to improve its structure. A top layer of mulch prevents weeds and retains moisture After all, it may only be dirt to me, but it is home to my plants.
        If I were totally honest, I would have to say that because I became a Christian at the age of 29 sometimes I think my life was easier before – it’s hard work living a life that is a witness for God. Keeping my spiritual life thriving requires constant attention, just like my garden.

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day... Genesis 3:8

        I get tremendous satisfaction from strolling around my garden whether on a summer evening, enjoying the new growth of spring, or the freshness of a fall day as the leaves begin to turn. There is just something relaxing and peaceful about gardens. I get the same sense when I know I am walking and serving where God wants me to be.

        My perfect garden would continually bloom; there would never be weeds or the need to prune, so my back would never ache. There would be no pests to damage my tender plants and of course the sun would always shine, breaking only for cloud bursts of rain. This is my picture of heaven.