The story of Adam and Eve is one of the oldest that we know and the fact that it is still so applicable to our lives is nothing short of astounding.  To grow up as a human being is to face the same set of circumstances that Adam and Eve face in a story. Our early childhood is something like growing up in the garden.  We’re not fully conscious of how the world works, the threats that live outside our walls and we are dependent upon our parents to protect and feed us. But as we grow older things change.  We encounter the snakes, we fall and we learn, we realize that we are naked, we understand shame. And so what can we do? We, like all our brothers and sisters throughout all the ages, face the same struggle.  How do we live east of Eden? How can we contend with all the threats and challenges and even the fact that to dust we will eventually return. But know this: before they left, God clothed Adam and Eve. He understand their frailty, their vulnerability - he did not kick them to the curb, and neither has he done so with us.  We can be comforted that despite the challenges we face in life, God is there.