OUT walking recently, we came across one of those tranquil scenes typical of South Lakeland: a small tarn, larch trees reflected in the still waters, birds singing in the shelter of the moment.

We paused in the warm sunshine; “this is perfect” we both agreed.

But of course it wasn’t really perfect.

Beneath the waters, in the undergrowth, wild creatures kill each other; storm damage upsets the balance of life and beauty.

Nearby farmers struggle to balance environmental care and production; and we would soon return to the reality and challenges of family life.

OK, no, it wasn’t “perfect”- but it was still “good” - it was “very good”.

These are also the words used by the writer of the first chapter of the Bible to describe God’s view of his Creation; “He saw that it was good”- “indeed it was very good”.

The Hebrew word used here for “good”, is not one meaning perfect- but pleasant, agreeable, wholesome.

There is a word for “perfect”, used elsewhere in the Bible, but that is not used to describe the Eden of God’s creation.

So maybe we should see Eden as a “good” place, complete with inherent difficulties to be overcome, as we travel on, with God’s ever-present, supporting help; rather than a “perfect” place from which our only dynamic movement is a disobedient falling.

This slight change in perspective may make a big difference to how we live and perceive God’s loving care for us and his creation.

Nick Gray

St Thomas’ Church

Kendal