Have you ever had a good think right in front of you and not even realized it? My parents were always pretty great but I don't think I realized it until I became a parent myself. My husband is terrific but when I first met him I didn't care a thing for him, it was only later that I saw how wonderful he was. Sometimes there are good things right in front of us and we don't even notice.
As I was scanning the Genesis text this week, it caused me to quickly read vs. 6 and leave out some words...what I read is what you see at the top of the blog. It struck me then that Eve had been living in this Garden of Eden for a while. God had obviously pointed out the tree and given her instructions on it. She was surely familiar with the tree. But it wasn't until Satan arrived and began his conversation with her that she saw it - really saw it - and suddenly understood it was something she wanted. I find that intriguing. She didn't want it before that moment. It was right here all along and she was satisfied to just leave it alone like God asked her to. Until Satan pointed out it was the ONLY thing in the garden she didn't have...suddenly, she had to have it.
Isn't that just like us humans? We feel content in life, satisfied to receive all God has blessed us with - until someone points out we are lacking in some way. Then temptation and desire kick in and we spent time, energy, and money doing what we can to get that one thing we are sure we are missing. No longer can we look around and see we are surrounded by a lush garden of blessing - all we can see is the one thing we are missing.
I was reading that is was pride that drove Eve to commit that first sin - pride in thinking she could be as wise and knowledgeable as God. I do believe that is a valid assessment. But I can't help but wander if perhaps it was more an issue of ingratitude. An ingratitude that caused Eve to be temporarily blinded by all God had done for her. No more did she see the refreshing beauty of her surroundings. No longer did she think about the vast amounts of fruits and vegetables awaiting her consumption. Not another thought about the companionship she enjoyed not only with Adam but with God. All she could see was that one tree - the one thing she had been denied...all else faded to black.
Perhaps because I have been journeying through a season of death, but I have grown weary of black. I crane my neck to all sorts of crazy angles trying to catch a little sunlight and warmth on my face. In seeing precious life fade away I have re-evaluated my priorities and found myself more determined than ever not to take anything God has given me for granted. He has filled my life with blessing upon blessing and too often I have been like Eve - peeking through the blessings for what I don't yet have. Today my Lenten journey reminds me to stop peeking through and instead to look fully upon what I already have. When I begin to take stock of my blessings, how can I help but feel the satisfaction of contentment?
Satan, you might as well get behind me - because you have nothing to offer me that my God hasn't already made mine.
No comments:
Post a Comment