1.27.11
I am in Nashville. I would be lying to say that I don't have moments that I get nervous about the unknown of being here (which are great in number), however that's just my lack of trust. When I do not focus on my own understanding, I am totally at peace...and I get excited. And as I approached familiar signs, I got very excited.
The past three weeks have been full, full, full of blessings. Have they all seemed like blessings at their time of activity? No. Not in the slightest. But I think a good way to describe this season thus far is; "Breakage & Repair." Thinking back on everything I have experienced since being in Nashville three weeks ago, I can't believe it has only been three weeks. Really.
And I have really been chewing on all of the freshly picked fruit that was presented to me (no pun intended with the following writing). One piece that I have enjoyed, but tasted with a deep sense of, "Hmmm..." (deep word choice, I know) is that of our lives in relation to Adam & Eve in the garden. A brief summary:
There are something like 6 steps in gardening. The last is reap the harvest. All the others are the work that it takes to get to reaping. I was asked, "Who did [the first five steps?]" Answer: God. Adam and Eve simply reaped. They didn't do any work. And I absolutely, totally agree with that. God did all of the work so that we may reap the harvest of His love, grace, and that relationship allowed through that. But I also said, "But it was Adam and Eve who has to decide to pick the fruit and eat it." God has done the work for reconciliation to be made, but we have a choice. So I keep thinking on it, and I believe God gave me the following word, which has blessed me. If it speaks to you as well, praise God! But I am not trying to convince anyone to agree with me. I am just presenting the ideas I am given, with much welcomeness for correction if what I write does not align with Scripture. : )
There are a few ways that Adam & Eve could enjoy the garden. They could enjoy looking at it, noticing all the beautiful colors God put in it. They could enjoy resting in it, sleeping on the leaves, sitting on a branch. They could enjoy its scent, smelling and basking in the many aromas of the fruit, trees, flowers, water. They could enjoy feeling it, giving attention to the different textures of each leaf, vegetable, fruit, the water. They could enjoy eating it, tasting the sweetness of each bite of the food, which led to fulfillment and strength because of the great nourishment.
If I am missing some, please add to it! But the point is that Adam & Eve had the freedom to choose how they would enjoy the garden that God flourished for them. I get to choose how I enjoy the garden of grace. Adam & Eve chose to enjoy the fruit that killed them. I also have the freedom to choose to enjoy that fruit as well. And it's not about the right choice. No, no. I can see in Scripture that God's love is forever and always the same. And His delight in who He made me will never be unsteady. The difference in the way I choose to enjoy the garden is about my good. It's about being filled and strengthened in His love. That's His desire, that I be in intimate union with Him because He loves me THAT much! And what glory He receives through all of that!
HALLELUJAH!!!!!
