THE ELEMENTS OF THE GARDEN
If we take the Creation account of the Bible at face value, and not as a metaphor for some other lesson, we can see just what it is that God provided for man; indeed, for man’s optimum well-being.
I have divided each heading into what would equate to 'before the fall', i.e. In The Garden and 'after the fall', i.e. Today. In the Garden is strictly the result of meditation. Today is life as we know it in 2011 America. Wellness is achieved by restoring 'garden' principles - God's provisions - in our lives today, each and every day.
I have divided each heading into what would equate to 'before the fall', i.e. In The Garden and 'after the fall', i.e. Today. In the Garden is strictly the result of meditation. Today is life as we know it in 2011 America. Wellness is achieved by restoring 'garden' principles - God's provisions - in our lives today, each and every day.
Relationship with God
In The Garden
In The Garden
Man’s first relationship was and is with God.
Genesis 1-3 shows this relationship; specifically God's provision and intent for Man, from his inclusion in the creation - naming every beast and bird, to the surgery that resulted in this new creation: woman, and Man's exuberant response, "This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." (Genesis 2:23)
In the third chapter we see the what-happens-when-we-done-wrong dynamic of the relationship, but still, there is relationship; unpleasant consequences exist as a result of disobedience; even still, relationship remains God's primary desire.
Today
Separation from God and the era of sacrifice was ushered in at The Fall. The Scriptures describe the journey man takes in having uninhibited access to God restored. This culminates in the once-for-all-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Because it is already so eloquently written, I choose not to rewrite it here.
The Scriptures illustrate to us that relating to God is not a passive experience, but an active, integrated exchange that requires, communication – two way, meaning we listen as well as speak, read and meditate, cry, praise and sing, accept His discipline and maybe even dance.
Though some of these methods of communication are a challenge for me; it does not lessen the idea that relating with God is an entirely interactive experience to be engaged in everyday, multiple times in a day. It is within this relationship that we are most roundly blessed.
Relationship with Others
In The Garden
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18
Though this scripture is the prelude comment to God's showing Adam that animals are insufficient as 'suitable helpers' for him, after which He created woman, it speaks to our need for others.
Scriptures are timeless. Therefore, what is true today was true yesterday; relationship with others is a daily thing.
Proverbs 27:17 gives us a glimpse of the nature of relationships: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Today
In the Garden, first man and first woman had one another. Afterwards, they still had one another, but sin had been ushered in, and with that, the dynamics that challenge us were present: anger, bitterness, envy, revenge, etc. They still need one another, indeed, we all need one another; isolation is not an option.
My misguided inclination is to think I don't need anyone, that I can keep myself 'safe' by hiding out in my loft. To my detriment, I get sucked into believing the lie that the isolationist mentality will serve me well.
What does serve me, and what I have confused with isolationism is solitude. As my example, Jesus demonstrates the power of solitude; it is a positive, refreshing time of regeneration to the elements with which we are to love God: spirit, mind, soul and strength.
This is an everyday lesson - how to be alone and also with others in a healthy manner, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated this dynamic of healthy solitude and healthy interaction. He also showed what to do when the healthy, in excess, became unhealthy.
Food
Genesis 1-3 shows this relationship; specifically God's provision and intent for Man, from his inclusion in the creation - naming every beast and bird, to the surgery that resulted in this new creation: woman, and Man's exuberant response, "This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." (Genesis 2:23)
In the third chapter we see the what-happens-when-we-done-wrong dynamic of the relationship, but still, there is relationship; unpleasant consequences exist as a result of disobedience; even still, relationship remains God's primary desire.
Today
Separation from God and the era of sacrifice was ushered in at The Fall. The Scriptures describe the journey man takes in having uninhibited access to God restored. This culminates in the once-for-all-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Because it is already so eloquently written, I choose not to rewrite it here.
The Scriptures illustrate to us that relating to God is not a passive experience, but an active, integrated exchange that requires, communication – two way, meaning we listen as well as speak, read and meditate, cry, praise and sing, accept His discipline and maybe even dance.
Though some of these methods of communication are a challenge for me; it does not lessen the idea that relating with God is an entirely interactive experience to be engaged in everyday, multiple times in a day. It is within this relationship that we are most roundly blessed.
Relationship with Others
In The Garden
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18
Though this scripture is the prelude comment to God's showing Adam that animals are insufficient as 'suitable helpers' for him, after which He created woman, it speaks to our need for others.
Scriptures are timeless. Therefore, what is true today was true yesterday; relationship with others is a daily thing.
Proverbs 27:17 gives us a glimpse of the nature of relationships: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Today
My misguided inclination is to think I don't need anyone, that I can keep myself 'safe' by hiding out in my loft. To my detriment, I get sucked into believing the lie that the isolationist mentality will serve me well.
What does serve me, and what I have confused with isolationism is solitude. As my example, Jesus demonstrates the power of solitude; it is a positive, refreshing time of regeneration to the elements with which we are to love God: spirit, mind, soul and strength.
This is an everyday lesson - how to be alone and also with others in a healthy manner, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated this dynamic of healthy solitude and healthy interaction. He also showed what to do when the healthy, in excess, became unhealthy.
Food
In The Garden
God, with whom Adam and Eve were privileged to share a most exciting relationship, also created huge numbers of food for their well-being and enjoyment. As a foodie, this is the greatest of combinations! I can eat to live as well as live to eat!
But this is true only in context.
What God provided for first man and woman were whole foods; processing was not needed or practiced.
The harvest from the Garden as described in Genesis might well have included kohlrabi and carrots, okra and green beans, cowpeas and tomatoes, fiddlehead ferns and potato's, garbanzo beans and corn, and very likely squash. To work a bit of garden-style culinary or medicinal magic, basil, oregano, rosemary, other herbs and spices may have been found.
They all have their purposes; that we get stuck on a few, and those we process to mastication, is our loss.
Today
In my garden, I choose the vegetables I want to harvest. On my property, God chose the fruit I would be harvesting. Because of the generosity of those whose gardening skills far exceed mine, I've been privileged to receive a harvest that shows the diverse abundance of God.
Becoming a garden-eater is not easy; still, it is a critical element to achieving wellness.
There are garden elements from which I must abstain. Their effect on my body and emotions were problematic; discovering them was entirely worth the effort required.
Listening for the cause and effect dynamic of foods in you requires your attention. Indeed, your body is speaking and it expects you to listen. Unlike Garden life for first man and first woman, some foods create negative repercussions in me. THOUGH THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION HAS APPROVED MANY FOODS, AND IN SOME CASES, NON-FOODS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION - I do okay so long as I stay away from foods that have been altered by man.
Work/Exercise
But this is true only in context.
What God provided for first man and woman were whole foods; processing was not needed or practiced.
The harvest from the Garden as described in Genesis might well have included kohlrabi and carrots, okra and green beans, cowpeas and tomatoes, fiddlehead ferns and potato's, garbanzo beans and corn, and very likely squash. To work a bit of garden-style culinary or medicinal magic, basil, oregano, rosemary, other herbs and spices may have been found.
They all have their purposes; that we get stuck on a few, and those we process to mastication, is our loss.
Today
In my garden, I choose the vegetables I want to harvest. On my property, God chose the fruit I would be harvesting. Because of the generosity of those whose gardening skills far exceed mine, I've been privileged to receive a harvest that shows the diverse abundance of God.
Becoming a garden-eater is not easy; still, it is a critical element to achieving wellness.
There are garden elements from which I must abstain. Their effect on my body and emotions were problematic; discovering them was entirely worth the effort required.
Listening for the cause and effect dynamic of foods in you requires your attention. Indeed, your body is speaking and it expects you to listen. Unlike Garden life for first man and first woman, some foods create negative repercussions in me. THOUGH THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION HAS APPROVED MANY FOODS, AND IN SOME CASES, NON-FOODS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION - I do okay so long as I stay away from foods that have been altered by man.
Work/Exercise
In The Garden
In the Garden, these terms are synonymous though the activities of each deliver different results.
Work, mental stuff, is food for the physical body. While no one can know, I don't believe first man and first woman had the complete knowledge that would be required to care for their environment. In fact, since their Creator is omniscient - all knowing - we would have to wonder, why would they need to be?
We were created to be interdependent on God, to have our needs met by and in Him. It was a daily thing for God to walk in the garden with man; very likely, this time of communion was also a time of learning.
Exercise is the body's contribution to mental well-being. We were designed by an infinitely wise God, complete with multiple moving parts and incredibly supple muscle and sinew, capable, with daily attention, of continuous stretch and movement. Inside of that movement He also gifted us with endorphins, a self-perpetuating reason to begin moving. Endorphins are best described by Proverbs 10:22, "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."
Today
Most of us do not get the benefits of both work and exercise in our job.
In today's world, they are often separate activities. However, as more is learned about the effects of exercise on well-being and productivity, employers are increasingly benefiting their employees with the time and resources for participation in physical exercise.
While this benefit is nice, we were not created to be interdependent on our employer. So, regardless of whether this resource exists for you or not, it would be well worth your time and energy to find another resource and give your endorphins a chance to work.
If your job requires repetitive physical exertion without much mental stimulation, make a practice of independently pursuing activities that challenge your brain. May I suggest, because of the nature of this blog - a Bible study?
Sunshine
In The Garden
Can't imagine sunshine in the garden being any different than sunshine today. It nurtures and enhances the well-being of all life.
Today
Having watched my garden and my woods now for years, I've noticed that things don't grow as well if they don't have sunshine. But as with all things, misuse or abuse will invariably result in negative consequences.
Having fallen asleep in the sun, when in my twenties, for 7-8 hours, I burned myself so badly I was unable to move. I fear melanoma and I know, if I escape it's curse, it is strictly by the grace of God. But I still need the benefits of sunshine: increasing serotonin and decreasing melatonin - a finite elemental balancing act.
So what do I do?
There's about four options I can think of: pills, dairy products, light therapy and protected sunshine. Of necessity, I opt for the two latter choices. Though I would love to include dairy products for all of the vitamin D they provide, a close listening to my body's messages precludes this indulgence. And pills are just out of the question.
Today
Having watched my garden and my woods now for years, I've noticed that things don't grow as well if they don't have sunshine. But as with all things, misuse or abuse will invariably result in negative consequences.
Having fallen asleep in the sun, when in my twenties, for 7-8 hours, I burned myself so badly I was unable to move. I fear melanoma and I know, if I escape it's curse, it is strictly by the grace of God. But I still need the benefits of sunshine: increasing serotonin and decreasing melatonin - a finite elemental balancing act.
So what do I do?
There's about four options I can think of: pills, dairy products, light therapy and protected sunshine. Of necessity, I opt for the two latter choices. Though I would love to include dairy products for all of the vitamin D they provide, a close listening to my body's messages precludes this indulgence. And pills are just out of the question.
Fresh Air
In The Garden
In The Garden
Can't imagine this has changed since the days of Garden-life, except for pollution. Remove the cars, the factories, etc. and there you have it...
Today
...but removing today's polluting elements from our environment is nearly impossible. What seems more feasible is removing ourselves from that scourge.
If possible, do leave the stale, stuffy surroundings of everyday; go into the unspoiled areas, and breathe. Enjoy the smell of fresh air!
Even if this is a challenge, and sometimes it is for me, though I live in the woods - the heart of refreshing, try to make it happen and discover the wonder of it all.
Today
...but removing today's polluting elements from our environment is nearly impossible. What seems more feasible is removing ourselves from that scourge.
If possible, do leave the stale, stuffy surroundings of everyday; go into the unspoiled areas, and breathe. Enjoy the smell of fresh air!
Even if this is a challenge, and sometimes it is for me, though I live in the woods - the heart of refreshing, try to make it happen and discover the wonder of it all.
Water
In The Garden
In The Garden
Can't imagine anything but cool, clear water in the Garden.
Today
Same thoughts apply to water as to air; it is an element that has taken a beating in modern times. But it is possible to find water that is good to drink.
Even still, this can be an incredible challenge for many people, but it is entirely necessary. Manufacturers and marketers have filled store shelves with numerous concoctions to mask the flavor of pure, clean water. Indeed, our government 'fixes' water that goes through their pipes and into numerous homes and businesses throughout our country.
If plain ole' water doesn't work for you, remember, God created lemons and oranges and limes and numerous other flavors that serve well as it's complement. They are beneficial things and won't be found to cause any number of unsavory consequences. This hearkens back, again, to Proverbs 10:22, "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."
Today
Same thoughts apply to water as to air; it is an element that has taken a beating in modern times. But it is possible to find water that is good to drink.
Even still, this can be an incredible challenge for many people, but it is entirely necessary. Manufacturers and marketers have filled store shelves with numerous concoctions to mask the flavor of pure, clean water. Indeed, our government 'fixes' water that goes through their pipes and into numerous homes and businesses throughout our country.
If plain ole' water doesn't work for you, remember, God created lemons and oranges and limes and numerous other flavors that serve well as it's complement. They are beneficial things and won't be found to cause any number of unsavory consequences. This hearkens back, again, to Proverbs 10:22, "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."
Now, if all of life cannot survive, let alone thrive without these three elements, the warmth of sunshine, the smell of fresh air and the taste of cool, clean water, what makes me think I can?
Rest
In The Garden
God's activities on the seventh day when He was done creating gives us an example worthy of emulation.
"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV)
There has been much written on the concept of rest - actually, 'The Sabbath' - but none have answered my question: what did God do when He rested?
Today
Another of my questions is sincere, what is really meant by 'rest'?
If rest is ceasing all activity for one 24 hour period, how is that done?
Without putting on a pharisaical hat, I would say, with practice. When Jesus was charged by the Pharisees of violating The Sabbath, His response put things in perspective: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27 NIV
This non-scholar understands: rest is a provision from a loving God to man. That He set the seventh day apart and made it holy did not transform it from being an element of well-being from a loving God to man. It was a blessing, a time of focus designed to return our distractable minds and hearts back to Him, for restorative rest. It is not an evil task-master; man's need for rest was never designed to enslave us!
But I still have those questions: What do you do when you are resting? What does rest really look like? What happens when you are truly resting? That focus on the reality of rest as an element of well-being is new to me leads me to state that the answers to the foregoing questions are still being discovered.
However, it seems reasonable to conclude that when I'm advancing my own goals, I'm not resting.
"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV)
There has been much written on the concept of rest - actually, 'The Sabbath' - but none have answered my question: what did God do when He rested?
Today
Another of my questions is sincere, what is really meant by 'rest'?
If rest is ceasing all activity for one 24 hour period, how is that done?
Without putting on a pharisaical hat, I would say, with practice. When Jesus was charged by the Pharisees of violating The Sabbath, His response put things in perspective: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27 NIV
This non-scholar understands: rest is a provision from a loving God to man. That He set the seventh day apart and made it holy did not transform it from being an element of well-being from a loving God to man. It was a blessing, a time of focus designed to return our distractable minds and hearts back to Him, for restorative rest. It is not an evil task-master; man's need for rest was never designed to enslave us!
But I still have those questions: What do you do when you are resting? What does rest really look like? What happens when you are truly resting? That focus on the reality of rest as an element of well-being is new to me leads me to state that the answers to the foregoing questions are still being discovered.
However, it seems reasonable to conclude that when I'm advancing my own goals, I'm not resting.
The abbreviated definition also seems reasonable: freedom from activity or labor; peace of mind or spirit; to take relief or respite.
My nephew suggested it is subjective: what is rest for me may not be - probably is not - rest for him and vice-versa. So, subjectively speaking, what is rest?
THE FALL
In The Garden
When I think of the fall, I can put myself in Eve's place and imagine, what might she have been doing the day the serpent was able to garner her attention, engage her in the conversation that led her to think, one little bite won't hurt.
It's all Eve's fault, huh? Suppose Adam blamed her over and over as he now experienced the daily pain of God's proclamation over his fate for his part in ushering sin into the world:
"Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:17-19
Today
Blame serves no good purpose; reading and meditating on this story reveals great treasures for our own well-being. I think of Eve's choice and how it affects the elements of the Garden today and I feel nothing but kinship and understanding with her.
An Afterthought:
Things happen occasionally to make me wonder if I'm a bit slow. Maybe, maybe not. I've worked as a bank teller for well over twenty years, and everyday that the cash drawer is opened, every transaction is required to be in balance and at the end of the day, the cash drawer will, by default, be in balance.
I'm thinking there is a parallel to my daily waking, living and retiring: Each day, when my eyes are open, I begin an exercise in balancing the elements of my well-being. Though there is no wiggle-room in a cash drawer, in the elements described is this section of the blog, there is a smidgen of room to fudge.
However, this does not suggest that any one element can be ignored, repeatedly, with optimum results. If one day finds you in an office all day, breathing stale air, the next, hopefully will find you walking a country mile on abandoned roads (by choice). If one day, your interaction with God is a mountain-top experience, do not be discouraged if the next is a trudge through the valley. Both are entirely necessary.
I've learned that this is where God's work is most amazing - in the void between my efforts and perfection - God's mercy, love and provision make up the difference.
