Remembering Eden

"Here comes the sun,
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right."

Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison ©1969

Oh. My. Gosh. Today was such a wonderfully beautiful day. My friend/co-worker said the temperature was expected to reach into the mid 80s.

After eating my lunch today, I decided to escape my subzero temperature office and venture outside for a mini-break. As soon as I stepped out and felt the warmth of the sun, I felt so energized, so... there are no words. I thought I might not go back in. Sitting out on the bench in front of the Administration building surrounded by Dogwood trees and grass, feeling the sun on my face, I seriously considered informing my boss that I would be working out of doors until winter—"I'll be in the courtyard with my laptop and cell phone if anyone needs me, thankyouverymuch."

It's a shame anyone has to work indoors. I don't think we were created for it.

Just think about it. Among all the things in the garden of Eden that God created, there's no mention of a four-walled dwelling for Adam and Eve. There's no mention even of Adam building a tent to live in until after he and Eve were cast out of the garden.

But surely they must have needed something to protect them from the elements, not to mention the lions, tigers and dinosaurs? According to Genesis (and Isaiah), the elements were all created to work for Adam and Eve, not against them. And there was no need to fear the animals either (well, except for that troublesome snake); they were all herbivores and quite friendly with Adam, like pets. He did after all name them.

I really believe that God fully intended for us to be outdoor creatures, working, playing and living continually among nature. Enjoying the warmth of the sun on our skin. Constantly surrounded by the fragrant smell of flowers and trees. Sleeping under the stars. Bathing in rivers and lakes. Relaxing to the music of robins, larks, geese and swallows.

I stayed outside for as long as I could, but work beckoned. So it was back to my subzero temp office with its hard desk, four walls, and fluorescent lighting. The weekend will be here soon enough.