Help! How do I pack my life into a 50 lb. suitcase? My mind whirled. There was so much I would need to leave behind. Books! I wouldn’t be able to take any books. I love reading. How would I survive without my books? I couldn’t even take my South African comfort food. Often, I miss the vast open space of the mopane bushveld or the sandy valleys of the Namib. I also miss the rocky, rugged hills and dry river beds; the big boulders and the brilliant sunsets. When I’m homesick for Africa, I like to spread some marmite on toast or make a cup of rooibos tea and allow a wave of nostalgia to engulf me, taking me back to the fun times and laughter with family and friends I miss. Then it hits me: I realized I really can live without my stuff. Stuff doesn’t enrich my life; people do. Though I can’t take them with me, I can always keep my fond memories of them.

I imagine what it must have felt like in the Garden of Eden. The devil disguised himself and found an opportune moment to engage Eve. God watched in agony as humanity made the choice to depart from His presence. The pain God felt at that moment He has felt ever since. He had no choice but to let go, yet He longs to be in the presence of His children.

Since Adam and Eve no longer met God, He had to go in search of them. They were ashamed, embarrassed and hiding. Although God had to separate from them, He wanted to give them grace and mercy and share it in person. He did not send a messenger with such an important message. He wanted to give His children hope and the promise, “I am the ever-present Immanuel.”

Adam and Eve were unaware of what this promise meant. They did not know that their firstborn child would murder his brother. They would not know how to deal with the pain and suffering of losing a child. How would they find comfort? Only as they experienced the implications of their choice would they understand the meaning of having God’s presence with them.

I think of the name of our Church—Seventh-day Adventist—and think how well our forefathers chose. We are Adventist—a people who believe that God comes to humanity; not just at the second coming, but even today. He is a God who, if we allow Him, is present in our daily lives and engaged in a personal way. He comes to be with us and longs to end our physical separation. I open my Bible to remind myself of the promise in Revelation 21:3. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’” As I read the verse, God whispers, This is my dream.

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