More than just a garden: You are closest to God in the garden

By Delphina QUARSHIE

Have you ever wondered why God chose a garden, specifically the Garden of Eden, out of all places, to be humanity’s dwelling place? You may also not have stopped to reflect on the fact that, before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus retreated to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Thus, we see the first Adam in a garden and the second Adam also in a garden.

What is it about gardens? Why, time and time again, does the presence of a garden seem to hold such significance? From the lush paradise of Eden to the tranquil solace of Gethsemane, these cultivated spaces seem to have a special place in the divine tapestry, woven into the fabric of spiritual exploration and communion.

Gardens provide a sanctuary from the fast pace of modern life, offering a haven we can escape to from the concrete jungles that tend to overwhelm us in today’s world. Beyond their beauty, gardens possess the remarkable ability to soothe our senses and uplift our spirits.

The physical act of gardening (digging the soil, nurturing plants, witnessing their growth), has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Psychologically, gardens serve as spaces for introspection and reflection, providing a respite from the constant noise and distractions of our daily lives.

Most importantly, gardens hold spiritual significance, serving as gateways to deeper realms of understanding and connection to our Maker. Whether in the lush landscapes of ancient monasteries or the simple backyard gardens of urban dwellers, these sanctuaries call us to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the mysteries of existence.

Yet, in our modern world, we are increasingly disconnected from the essence of gardens and the natural world they represent. This disconnection not only deprives us of the spiritual and psychological benefits that gardens offer but also severs our connection to the very source of sustenance the “fruit of the earth” that God blessed us with.

Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and pollution threaten the delicate balance of ecosystems, as human beings diminish the sanctity of gardens and cut our ties to the earth. By neglecting the care of our gardens, we unintentionally distance ourselves from the divine presence that fills these sacred spaces.

It is a stark reminder of how humanity fell from grace in the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve. Greed, hubris, and the failure to go by the Creator’s manual led to expulsion from the Garden of Eden – a paradise, a place of abundance and harmony with nature, the perfect dwelling place for humanity. Fortunately, not all hope is lost.

Jesus Christ, from the time of solace in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, went on to fulfil His mission of reconciling us to our Creator by giving Himself as a ransom for our sins. In Jesus Christ, we receive salvation; we re-establish our connection to God and His creation.

Through intentional and sustainable gardening practices, we are able to reconnect with both the natural world and the divine. Gardening provides deep and remarkable perspectives about our humanity.

Whether it is nurturing a pot of herbs on a verandah or cultivating a vegetable patch in the backyard, even the smallest spaces can be transformed into sacred havens. By planting and tending plants, we participate in the creative process, finding purpose and deepening our connection to something larger than ourselves.

Sustainable gardening practices further demonstrate our commitment to caring for the Earth, a responsibility entrusted to humanity by our Creator. Through mindful stewardship, we honor our role as caretakers of this earth and restore harmony to the natural world. Just as Jesus found solace and communion with the divine in the Garden of Gethsemane, we too can find solace and communion in our own gardens.

The Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, initiated in 2013 by Strategic Communication Africa Limited (Stratcomm Africa), embodies a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. For the past 11 years, Stratcomm Africa, itself established 30 years ago, has promoted responsible environmental practices in addition to being a beacon of communication excellence.

Through environmental campaigns, educational workshops, and the Ghana Garden and Flower Show, the Movement continues to inspire individuals and communities to reconnect with nature and cultivate a deeper reverence for God’s creation. By fostering a love for nature and encouraging Ghanaians to cultivate their own green spaces, the Movement exemplifies this commitment.

In the garden, we find more than just a refuge from the chaos of the world; we discover a pathway to spiritual renewal and communion with the divine. Gardening promotes a connection to the earth, beautifies surroundings, and reconnects us with the divine essence that flows through all living things.

As we tend the soil, nurture new life, and witness the beauty of creation unfolding before us, we are reminded of our inherent connection to God and nature. Let us reclaim and cultivate, through gardens, a deeper sense of reverence and gratitude for the precious gift of life.

As we continue in the spirit of renewal and hope from the Easter celebration, I invite you to join the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement today and cultivate your own piece of paradise.

The author is the Coordinator, Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, Strategic Communications Africa Limited. (Stratcomm Africa).

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