Some time ago, I told Father in a chit-chatty and slightly silly conversation: “I want to live in paradise on Earth”.

Immediately He said, “OK, make it.  Right here where you are.”

So, I considered what this might mean.   Plus, if He wanted me to do this, then I must simply agree with Him.

It started by daydreaming of what paradise means to me and then making small changes to my little world, like solar lights on my deck.  I hung several strings of bulbs up high and placed yard lights down low. I also got a small gas fire pit and replaced the lava rock with colored decorative glass rocks. The fire danced on the glass and looked like water!

Next, I grouped large potted plants in strategic places and ran a stereo speaker outside.  After finding a wonderful Moscato from Australia, I leaned back in my lounge chair and enjoyed my efforts.  It was every bit a paradise on earth.

I learned something we aren’t normally taught in church.  That in our attempt to take up our cross and deny ourselves, we don’t learn what unique creators we are and how to exercise it.  In this moment of joy, I understood that mankind needs paradise and was created to enjoy a comfortable, peaceful place to Rest and be satisfied.  And if we embraced this ability, we’d discover how to create it ourselves. We’d learn to pass it on to others who are struggling and sick with stress, overwork, and pressure by a life they don’t know they can change.

This isn’t selfish.  Nor is it carnal.  But rather it is stepping into the same footprints that Jesus did.  It is following Him and becoming what He created me to be.

After I enjoyed my newly created paradise a while, Father asked if I was ready to create paradise in a new place.  And I understood what He meant.  We can’t create in a new place until we have created where we are.  The grass isn’t greener on the other side until I make it green here.

Paradise isn’t a place to escape from this world.  It’s making this world a paradise.  We were made in His image.  Creation is in our hands.  And the plan is in His mind.

We can bring heaven to earth in conjunction with Him.  He said, “Follow me.”