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Verse:The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. —Genesis 2:8, NKJV
As I studied for my small group at church, I read a quote from author Ellen White on how Adam and Eve “held converse with leaf and flower and tree, gathering from each the secrets of its life.”* I enjoy the sights and smells of trees, especially the pine, which has such a healing scent. Working in my garden, picking flowers for a vase, or gathering red clover to give to our guinea pig, I see an abundance of activity among the plants. The praying mantises from the previous season have built egg cases on the azalea bushes. The nymphs have come out and are scattered all over the front yard greenery.
I counted about six adults that have decided to stay in the same area. The bumblebees, wasps, and occasional honeybee come by to feed on the zinnias, as do the butterflies and hummingbirds. Maybe these creatures are not only gathering food but also in their own way communicating with the plants too.
I’ve noticed Lily, our pointer mix dog, does just that.
On many occasions, she will walk gently around a tree or blueberry bush or dahlia plant. She walks in slow motion, with the plant gently caressing her.
As she moves around it in circles, it almost appears as if she is receiving something from the plant, and she is obviously enjoying it. Are they “talking” to her? When I see this activity, I ask Lily, “Are you communing with the plants again?” It makes me ponder what is happening here that I am missing out on. Reading the quote from Ellen White reveals that, at one time, humans were able to commune with the plants.
God designed something deeper for us to enjoy than just the incredible beauty, smells, and textures. He planned an intimate connectedness with our green world. Sin changed how we interact with creation.
Oh, how I will enjoy this gift back in its fullness after Christ comes to take us home and we live eternally on the new earth, discovering all He created us to experience. But until then, let’s ponder anew these wonders and glimpses of what He has planned for us one day!
Rosemarie Clardy