The Garden of Eden

Today, I want to share a story with you – a story that, while ancient, carries timeless wisdom about the journey of growth, choice, and the freedom to be our true selves.

Once upon a time, in a garden so lush and vast that it seemed like a slice of heaven itself, there lived the first humans, Adam and Eve. This paradise, called Eden, was a wonderland – with trees that whispered secrets, flowers that sang in the breeze, and animals of every kind living in peace. At the heart of Eden stood a very curious tree, known as the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God, who was like a parent to Adam and Eve, shared with them the bounty of this magical garden. She said, "You can enjoy everything here. But that tree in the middle? Its fruit is a bit different. Best to leave that be." It wasn’t a command to test their obedience but an invitation to explore the depths of their free will – a gift She deeply cherished.

Like curious children in the world’s most enchanting sweet shop, Adam and Eve were drawn to the one thing they were advised to avoid. And when they tasted the fruit, their eyes were opened to the complexity of the world, marking the beginning of a journey filled with choices, mistakes, and growth.

What followed was not a story of disobedience but one of learning to embrace our choices, understand their impact, and navigate the beautiful messiness of being human. It’s about how we deal with our decisions, own up to them, and move forward with a heart full of love and eyes wide open to the wonders around us.

This ancient narrative invites us to see our own lives reflected in the garden of Eden – a place where every choice we make contributes to our journey of growth and self-discovery. It’s a reminder that we’re not expected to be perfect but to be brave, to make choices that reflect our true selves, and to learn from them with grace.

In everyday life, it's easy to overlook the impact of the small choices we make, from opting for a morning walk to deciding what to have for lunch or catching up with a friend. Recognising that every decision, big or small, empowers us is key, especially when facing larger challenges. By being more mindful of our choices, we gain control over our lives, enhancing our confidence and clarity for bigger decisions.

Here are three practical steps to help you become more aware of your daily choices:

Start a Choice Diary: Take a moment at the end of each day to write down your decisions, no matter how minor they seem. This can help reinforce your sense of autonomy and prepare you for more significant choices.

Watch Your Words: Notice when you're about to assign blame or obligation, such as saying "I have to," and instead, acknowledge your power of choice by saying "I choose to" or "I want to." This shift helps us take responsibility for our decisions and actions, rather than placing blame or feeling obligated."

Set Small Intentions: Each morning, set a few simple intentions for the day. This practice helps remind you of your control over your day, building confidence for bigger challenges.

In the spirit of exploring the divine, let's recognise the power in our choices, big and small, giving us the freedom to shape our lives just the way we want. By embracing this freedom, life takes on a whole new meaning, full of purpose and direction. Let's make intentional choices that lead us where we truly want to go.

I’m excited to invite you to listen to a series of podcast episodes where we’re joined by the incredible Maggy Whitehouse. Maggy, a renowned expert in biblical interpretations, shares her wisdom and insights that promise to enlighten, challenge, and inspire us all.
Divine Style Podcast on Spotify
Divine Style Podcast on Apple Podcasts