A Taste of Paradise
Some days I’d like five minutes in a locked room with Eve. Anyone else feel this way? When the day is too crazy, work feels too hectic and hard, money is short, demands are endless, and the woman in the mirror looks older and more haggard than I wish she did, I feel myself becoming angry with the fool who gave up Paradise for a piece of fruit. Seriously, sister? It wasn’t even covered in chocolate!
I think about Eve’s origins—the first woman ever created, formed from one of Adam’s ribs. Like Adam, Eve was made in God’s likeness and given the garden of Eden as her home. There, the couple could live, free and happy, provided for by God himself. Eve had nearly free rein over the place. She didn’t know the sting of competition: no issues with body image, no comparison to others, no need to wonder, “Is this the guy for me?” She had no job stress, no clothing or fashion quandaries. She was the co-manager of Eden, an equal partner with Adam, no less than he was. They had only one rule—one! Only one thing was off-limits.
And yet, when the test came, Satan helped shift Eve’s focus from all God had done and given them to the one thing he withheld. Eve was willing to accept Satan’s viewpoint without checking with God first. She didn’t go to her husband either. She let the outsider sway her opinion and turn her against the way of life she was created for. As a result, sin entered into the lives of humankind. Eve’s actions helped condemn us to a life separate from God and full of pain, hardship, shame, and struggle for survival. A legacy of sin. Not great, sister. Not great at all.
The consequences of Eve’s actions placed a stain on our gender and weigh down every subsequent generation of women. I can judge her for this quite easily on the days I’m tired of being tired, the days when I long for an easier path. I think, “If only I had been the one, I would never have been so careless.”
Then I take an honest look at myself, and I know better. I know that in all likelihood, I would have been the one to take the apple had Eve not beaten me to it. I do it all the time: when I forget to be grateful for all the incredible blessings in my life; when I find dissatisfaction in my life, circumstances, and opportunities; when I complain that my house, figure, or vacation isn’t impressive enough; when I listen to the whispers of the deceiver over the promises of the Creator; and when I walk outside of God’s path and purpose for my life.
Yet God continues to show his love. He continues to bless me and provide opportunities for redemption at every turn, just as he did after the original blunder. He loves us and forgives every single mistake and misstep. Need proof of this? Despite Eve’s grievous error, he still chose to use women in his plan to save the world and everyone in it. How great is that? How amazing is that? How much clearer can he say he loves us, he forgives us, and we are important to him?
His timing is not our timing. His ways are not our ways. For this I am thankful, because I know how narrow-minded I can be. I know how often I miss the big picture or minute detail, or I forget to see the situation from every angle (or even any angle that isn’t my own). I know I let my emotions and experiences and expectations color my view. Sometimes this is helpful; most times it’s not.
My human mind and heart can’t do what the creator of the universe can. They don’t have to. His purpose is not for me to try to function outside the realm of my talents and tendencies. He has gifted me uniquely so I can fulfill the purpose he chose for me. I need to focus on that. I need to stop wishing for different opportunities and start capitalizing on the ones in front of me. I need to stop waiting for the perfect time or place or circumstances and start walking the path set before me. I need to stop wondering if I’m the right girl for the job and start working toward the goal.
I certainly need to know—truly know—that my past mistakes do not define me, and that a history of falls doesn’t mean I’m destined for a legacy of failure. This is a glimpse of his initial plan, and it’s a taste of paradise when I grasp it.
Rebecca Greebon is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and child of the One True King. She has a passion for sharing with others how amazing they are, how much they are loved, and how blessed every day is, even when we are lost or distracted or completely over ourselves and the world. Rebecca blogs at theriverchick.com.
