eden
The garden - in the beginning - the place we long to be - back to the garden. Yet it can be within us. We were led astray. The devil dipped his fingers in human affairs and we have suffered ever since because of one bite from an apple. The snake seeded the saplings of sin; he is poisoning our minds and many lost souls are still searching for their way back to Eden. For some, it is the journey of a lifetime. The entrance is still guarded by angels with flaming swords.
The garden within us is like an endangered flower. We long to experience the place God intended us to be; but we are held by the weeds that strangle us - the betrayals, the lies, the pride, the poison. And rather than letting God tend to His creation - with care, love, compassion - we close our blossoms and let Him pass by instead of opening our hearts to His love and tender mercies - new every morning.
During this season of Lent, there are plenty of reminders to think about preparing for Easter and certainly one of them is preparing our hearts - preparing the gardens of our souls. The deepest secret of our hearts is that we long to love and be loved. We are forgiven. That’s the Easter story. God so loved the world that He gave His only son for us. Death on a cross. That’s love! Katagiri Roshi says, “Our goal is to have kind consideration for all sentient beings every moment forever.” And what are we doing with that consideration? That love? Our gardens need tending.
Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart…” Psalm 10:17 (NKJV)
I am preparing for Easter in 3 ways: Prayer, Reflection, Praise
“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray…” Matthew 14:23.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
How are you getting ready for Easter and reaquainting yourself with the story of victory by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? He has risen! Alleluia!