#TDWC: The Eden of our Own Making

Thank you, Susan Rushton, for your inspiring door!

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Welcome!

C’mon in!

We are here to acknowledge and celebrate your humanity, no matter who you are.

Black, brown, white; male or female; Christian, Muslim, atheist; whatever sexuality or identity; addict or teetotaler; the guy who doesn’t take care of the yard or the woman who bakes cookies for the neighbors; left or right; near or far.

We are all friends and neighbors here.

We all love one another here.

Without question.

Judgment is not allowed beyond these doors.

Neither is hatred, bullying, racism, or prejudice.

Your culture and diversity is important to us.

We want to know about you. What are your goals and dreams? How is your spirituality different from others? What foods remind you of your childhood? What genre of music or hobby inspires you? How do you walk through life?

What can we do to understand and not disrespect you?

Beyond the doors, in the garden, is the Eden of our own making. It is the perfect place where there is joy and smiles. We have the drink of choice in hand, expressing cheer to each other, walking in the sun, among the creations of Mother Nature and perhaps a deity or two. There is a table of eats a few feet from the statue, representing all of us – from the paella of Valencia in Spain, to the kachumbari of East Africa, to the spicy chicken wings of America’s sports bars. The path of the garden leads in all directions. In the garden’s main building are the works of art from around the world and rooms to either practice our faith, play games or hold respectful conversations about anything and everything.

There is no arguing here. “I am right, you are not” is the game of the outside world.

We don’t play that game here.

We talk, we listen, we open our ears and eyes to each other.

We find grace and forgiveness in our past and live today and tomorrow in this new world.

Past the doors.

Into the embrace of the garden.

Unlike “Hotel California,” you can leave, but we ask you take the soul and spirit of the garden with you. Share the garden. Plant seeds. Spread love, inclusivity and your mom’s best main course to gather others around the table.

Go out in the world and let others know they can have a garden too.

Tell them.

A garden exactly like the one that lured you into a colorful space and peace.

If they choose.

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This post is in response to Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge (#TDWC) that runs the entire month of May, 2023. If you’re looking for a new challenge that involves lots of ways to enter and exit, check out the rules and photos of #TDWC HERE. You can post as many times as you’d like during the month, choosing a door from the gallery and writing in whatever format speaks to you. It’s an opportunity to have fun and perhaps meet a new blogger or two.