When we dip into the “imaginarium,” we find a rich treasure trove that holds images, memories and symbols of God more basic than any doctrine we’ve learned or lesson we’ve memorized. Einstein said that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” Richard Rohr adds that “God can only come to any of us in images that we already trust and believe, and that open our hearts.” (A Spring Within Us, p. 220) One of these fruitful places for me is the garden.
It all began and ended there: the first scene of Genesis set in the garden where Adam and Eve walk with God through the cool of the evening, the resurrection where Jesus meets Mary in a garden and she mistakes him for the gardener.
July seems a lovely month to reflect on gardens’ rich spiritual significance. At some level, we always walk with God in the garden, because we are never separated from God. Or as Julian of Norwich says, “between God and the soul, there is no between.” Surely the garden displays the profusion at God’s very heart. Entering, an overview: a wild riot of colors, textures, sculpted shapes, spikes and flowing vines. Moving closer in to bury one’s nose in myriad fragrances: Ivory petals deepen to creamy centers. The shades of multi-flavored nectars abound: apricot, peach, plum.
We who have a hard time cozying up to the many unknowns in our lives could well spend time watching the unfolding mysteries here. Unhurried and sure, each flower grows from tight green fist of bud to the mysterious swirl of petals around the core, finally dancing into outspread skirts of full bloom. Sometimes we too are closed tight as buds, and sometimes gradually relax into the opening, healing sun. “Trust the process,” gurus counsel, but that’s easier when the unfolding brings fragrance, delight and beauty. Does God deliberately send important “lessons” with joy, unburdened with classroom trappings and academic stresses?
Maybe Mary wasn’t so wrong about the mysterious gardener’s identity; the risen Christ still meets us there. And God walks always with us in the cool.
Kathy Coffey 