Hennie Symington

... you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground for out of it you were taken ... Genesis 3:19b

As human beings, we all experience sadness and pain. Through pain we came into this world and with pain and sadness we shall leave this world. Throughout our lives we wander through the passages of time recalling our pain and counting our losses.

Often, our very journey through life is punctuated by sadness and a sense of loss. Relationships blossom then rot and eventually drop off like spent flowers. Often our dreams of a successful life disappear into thin air. Often we cannot let go of the hurt and pain that have taken hold of our lives. We are held captive by our past, while the new seed in us lies dormant waiting for the ideal time to grow.

Ask yourself, where have you lost your paradise?

Where has your pain taken you? Down which garden paths have your doubts and fears led you? Behind which tree are you hiding, naked and afraid? Whatever it is that keeps you from tending your garden and spending time communing with your Creator, God knows you and sees you, as He waits patiently in the wings of paradise, to welcome you back.

Prayer:Lord, I don’t want to be a fleeting shadow hiding from the light. Fill me with your Word that endures forever. Create within me your unfading beauty and help me to enjoy the joyous moments before they wither. Transform me to your likeness so that I will not wither and pass away. Amen