God's Garden - Pt. 3

 

And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:8-9 ESV).

 

Surrounded by native woodlands and tucked away down a country road between Weatherford and Mineral Wells, Texas, is Clark Gardens. Mary and I have toured the gardens and found it to be a quiet, tranquil place to escape the “noise” of our culture. The story of the garden is one of the hard work, dreams, and vision of Max and Billie Clark. What began as the Clark's private garden in 1972, then merely a small personal work of traditional landscaping on this rugged Texas hillside, is now a botanical masterpiece. Much of this world of tranquility was sparked by Billie Clark's inspirations. In 1999, Max and Billie established the Max and Billie Clark Foundation and donated 143 acres, including the gardens, to this new non-profit organization. With the many trails and water features it is a beautiful place to visit.

 

Walking in any garden “in the cool of the day” is especially delightful in the spring or early summer, when plants are healthy and blooming with the promise of maturing fruit. However, as the Texas summer lengthens, plants begin to die as the heat cause the plants to wither. The delight of a walk in the garden then turns into a mild case of disappointment and despair. The change in the garden of paradise was much more sudden for the Lord. The delight of his walks dissipated like a morning mist as he found his garden caretakers afraid and hiding from him. The most beautiful “plant” in his garden was showing the first and fatal signs of decay and death. The forecast for a healthy harvest became mixed and dreary. I cannot imagine that God did not experience a deep sadness over his deteriorating garden.

 

I know that God could not have been surprised when Adam and Eve sinned. Thankfully, he still took his walk in the garden that day to find them. The great encouragement for us is that He still “walks in the garden” looking for us. Regardless of our failures and mistakes, He comes extending His grace and comfort to us, while directing and guiding us to rest and goodness. Is it time for you to answer the calling of God and come out from your hiding? He knows and desires nothing more than to walk with you!