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   The Garden of Eden, as discussed in the Old Testament, was an earthly paradise (Genesis 2).  Paradise is a place of contentment, a land of luxury and fulfillment.   The Garden of Eden was a perfect paradise inhabited by two perfect people, Adam and Eve.   Can you imagine a perfect world?   I can.   I imagine the flowers were more radiant, the grass was the perfect shade of green, clear blue water, fresh clean air, no controversy, indescribable peace, and a vibrant atmosphere.  I can imagine everything in the garden was like a well orchestrated symphony where everything ebbed and flowed.   
     Adam and Eve’s every need was met.  Their relationship was free of sadness, pain, heartache, disappointment, and divorce.   There wasn’t any crime, poverty, sickness, disease or death.  Adam and Eve had direct communication with God (Genesis 3:8).   They did not have any outside stimuli that would prevent them from hearing or knowing His voice.   The Garden of Eden, and Adam and Eve’s relationship before the fall is everything we aspire to.   
     We wrestle between two gardens because we know perfection once existed.   Because perfection once existed, we continue to chase it.  How many people take multiple pictures before posting the “perfect” shot?  How many people are single because they are looking for the “perfect” mate? How many people do you know who struggle with perfectionism?   Some may call it a spirit of excellence like Daniel (Daniel 5:12).  However, there is a difference between striving for excellence and perfection.    A spirit of excellence spills over into everything we do.   Examples of an excellent spirit are showing up on time and fulfilling your duties inside and outside of the church.   A spirit of perfectionism is linked to past rejection or unrealistic expectations.       
     The Bible begins and ends with life in a garden.  We don’t live in the perfection of the Garden of Eden or the new restored Garden that is yet to come (Revelation 21).  Whenever I pray, I ask God to help me in this transitional garden.   This transitional garden is where we experience thorns, racism, injustice, inequality, doubt, acceptance, identity crisis, oppression, lack, violence, and misplaced emotions.   This is where we wrestle with pain, toil, discord and disappointment. 
     But in between these two gardens lies a tree, the cross of Jesus Christ.   Jesus connects the original garden, transitional garden and the restored garden.   By his death and resurrection, we can believe the promise of the new heaven and earth.    Once everything is made new, we will be able to enjoy the garden as it was meant to be-a perfect paradise where we can walk with God as He intended.