This sign is hanging in the Zhengzhou, Henan aquarium (thank you Erika Dyk!):
One aspect of this sign project I enjoy, is sitting back and wondering about context for a bit. What is going on in an aquarium that needs monitoring? You have entered the monitoring area. And then the gentle reminder — in the monitoring area — please for your words and deeds.
Not a harsh command: Watch your language.
Not a rhetorical question: Is that language befitting a _(fill in the blank)__?
Not a shaming tactic: Would you talk like that around your grandmother?
Just a simple reminder.
Please for your words and deeds.
I can picture God as he was preparing Adam and Eve to leave the Garden where they had spoken love and laughter and naming and connection. As he fitted them with their new clothes, bought with the price of a life, “You must leave this garden or you will be stuck speaking distrust, poking fun at, blaming, and hurt. Things are broken now, and I can’t leave you like this, so you need to go. Remember your true native language. Adam could you turn around. How does that fit? A little too roomy? OK, Eve, what do you think of the length? Remember that you are children of Eden. Take time to remind each other to speak and treat one another the way you were meant to before you got derailed. And most of all remember I am with you. I am with you in more ways you can imagine. I will whisper to you (and sometimes shout), but I will not abandon you.”
And then as the three of them walked to the edge of the Garden to a door that would be sealed so they wouldn’t accidentally stumble back in, he put this sign: You have entered the monitoring area. Please for your words and deeds.
And so we are in the monitoring area. Monitoring can be seen as in, big brother is watching {maniacal laugh}. Or, it can be a good healthy reminder that what I say and do needs monitoring. There is a lie sown wide and deep that I should be able to say and do what I want and the consequences be damned. Wrong. It does matter what I say and do. It matters what you say and do.
Without harsh commands, annoying rhetorical questions, or shaming, I am going to picture this sign on the ceiling of my bedroom. As I open my eyes in the morning this will be my gentle reminder: You have entered the monitoring area. Please for your words and deed.
This sign whispered to Erika who shared with me. I pass the message on to you. We’re in this together, who can you share it with today?
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Related articles found under More Signs of Eden Regained. Seen any great signs? Send them to me at messymiddle (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks Amy. For me this was one of your best posts!
Oh Steph … humbly, thanks back.
Dearest Amy
This is the best description of Eden that I think I have ever heard. You know the angel standing at the front of the gate with the burning sword used to scare the living day lights out of me … for … a long time I used to find believing in our Pappa God’s unconditional love totally impossible. Yet, HE walked with me through all my unbelief for He knew that I battled to trust any person in authority for trust and love are earned, not demanded. Today I have the honor not only to trust His unconditional love, but to live in Him and that amazing love! Thank you, dear Friend, for all your concern!
Much love XX
Mia
I think we should think these words as we wake: “we are in the monitoring area”
Deal!
love this. i always, always need a reminder to use my words wisely.
me too!
Oh, how I love translated grammar. :-) The message is plain though and beautiful. Yes, a message to us all, everywhere. If we all “pleased for our words and deeds,” what a different place this world might be. How many more might really believe in Jesus then!
Beautiful description, Amy. Thanks for sharing.