Taking control of our health seems more popular than ever before. People purchase gym memberships, walk on indoor tracks, practice heated yoga sessions and more. Often messages from doctors express the importance of exercise so we try to do our part. What we fail to realize is that healthy living is not a new concept. Genesis 2:15 “And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Our Heavenly Father in His creation of us; knew we would need physical exercise. Try to picture that our first gym was the Garden of Eden.
Reviewing the passage again, Genesis 2:15 reads “And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it (this is physical work …gardening). That is what man performed. The passage also reads that man not only worked in the Garden of Eden, but he was to take care of it. This means he probably had to tend to it daily. In regards to our health, it is recommended that we work out at least 30 minutes a day, every day (daily). Science and doctors recognize we need daily exercise. God already knew that.
We created our current gym atmosphere. We are indoors walking on treadmills while watching television. We were designed for activity in the open light of the sun (great Vitamin D resource) and the fresh air. The beauty of outdoors is a motivator when using it as our exercise location. To be out and about is invigorating for the mind and the body. Many believe they gain clarity from just getting a breath of fresh air.
Our Heavenly Father in His love for us put us in a garden decorated with every tree and plant pleasant to our eyes. A garden filled with an endless variety, definitely is a beautiful sight to behold. If you know anyone who keeps a garden they always tell how wonderful it makes them feel to be outdoors working in their yard. The physical side of gardening (for them) does not outweigh the joy it brings to them.
The subsequent curse upon Adam (Genesis 3:19) was not in that he should labor, but that his labors will be attended with difficulties. Adam had work to do in the Garden of Eden…it was suppose to be physical yes, because gardening is physical, but also joyful. Gardening works all major muscle groups; legs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, neck, back and abdominal. All the carrying and stooping movements are great for the legs and shoulders; while digging and pulling target abdominal muscles. A person can burn 308 to 615 calories (based on their weight) performing one hour of gardening.
Many of us dread that trip to the gym. We know we need it, but it can be quite dreary on the inside. Our Heavenly Father knew we needed a paradise; a place that we would seek to visit and play in without fussing about going. If we were blessed to have access the Garden of Eden would provide a beauty that distracted us while we worked. It would be a rewarding workout session. Where in the end we would thank our Heavenly Father for every drop of sweat.
