Back to the Garden

 The Dinner Party 

" And then all that has divided us shall merge

And then compassion will be wedded to power

And then softness will come to a world that is hard and unkind

And then both men and women will be gentle

And then both women and men will be strong

And then no person will be subject to another’s will

And then all will be rich and free and varied

And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many

And then all will share equally in the Earth’s abundance

And then all will care for the rich and the weak and the old

And then all will nourish the young

And then all will cherish life’s creatures

And then all will live in harmony with each other and the earth

And then everywhere will be called Eden once again.”   (Judy Chicago) 

For what I have done to cause others to leave the garden, I need mercy.  For failing to see Love’s power in the young and failing to listen to the old, I need mercy.  For failing to live in harmony with the earth, squandering its resources, I need mercy.  For my lack of softness and compassion, I need mercy.  May the gift of mercy renew my heart  and lead me back to Eden  Amen. 

Reflect Today: What mercies will lead you back to the Garden?