[Soil & Land - V]
In a way, the Garden of Eden fits the archetype of Heaven. No needs; no violence; thriving relationships; and mangoes, of course. As such, outside of the Garden, which is known as East of Eden, is Hell. The Garden of Eden and Hell are opposites, right?
Heaven and Hell.
Garden of Eden and East of Eden.
Plenty and scarcity.
Peaceableness and violence.
Wholeness and brokenness.
What if this list is not a list of opposites but of partnerships? What if they are couples in tension? What if the second list of “hellish” realities are necessary seasons for us to fully experience and embrace before we can commit to the first list of “heavenly” realities?
In this way brokenness is the path by which we arrive at a deep sense of (and longing for) wholeness.
Hell is quite literally the name we have for a difficult season whereby we crave the inbreaking of Heaven.
Do we need both?
